The 21-year-old was the youngest women’s singles finalist in Madrid in 16 years.
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday May 4, 2025
Coco Gauff had won eight consecutive WTA finals, and 10 of 11, prior to Saturday’s loss against Aryna Sabalenka. The reason for her success in high-stakes title matches?
“I hate losing a lot, and especially in finals, because it’s like you’re so close,” Gauff said. “I do get ready for these matches and, yeah, I credit it to just how much I hate losing.”
Gauff: Only No.1 Matters
Saturday was different, however. No matter how badly Gauff wanted another big win, she couldn’t serve her way past Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid. Safe to say Sabalenka, who now has three Madrid titles and 20 overall, hates losing, too.
Madrid Queen: Sabalenka Stops Gauff for Third Madrid Crown
Nevertheless, Gauff takes the positives from a much-needed run to the final in Madrid, where she rebounded after being bageled in the first set of her first match by Dayana Yastremska.
“I don’t know, today was tough, but obviously if I can lose this and go a few more finals undefeated I’ll take that,” the 21-year-old American said. “Each time it’s a learning experience, and maybe I needed to feel this loss again to be motivated again, even more motivated for the next one.”
Gauff didn’t like the way she served in the final, and she felt it was the biggest factor in the loss.
thank you madrid❤️
not the outcome I was hoping for today but a lot to be proud of. leaving here with my head up and more motivation to work even harder to do better next time🙏🏾 #Godstiming pic.twitter.com/h4ieLgM3oD— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) May 3, 2025
“My first serve percentage wasn’t great today, so I think if I had a better first serve percentage it could have been a better match, or at least a better result in that first and second set. My first serve has been such a weapon this week, so I just wish I could have served better today.”
Nevertheless, the American goes to Rome with a lot of confidence in her rebounding form, and hunger to take the next step.
“There’s a lot of positives to take, and I think especially coming maybe from the last few weeks where I didn’t feel as confident on the ground, I think it is a step in the right direction, and just trying to look at the positives of it all. I don’t like losing, first final loss since the French Open, so it’s a feeling that I know I don’t like.”
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