Gauff’s Semifinal Domination Masks Serve Inconsistency
Coco Gauff demolished wildcard Lois Boisson 6-1, 6-2 to secure her second French Open final, showcasing blistering defense and a streaking backhand. Yet Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs singled out Gauff’s first-serve percentage—just 39% in the opening set—as a glaring vulnerability that Aryna Sabalenka will eagerly exploit.
Double Fault Blowup Threatens Title Push
Beyond low first-serve numbers, Gauff’s double-fault woes have plagued her clay run: 42 across six matches in Rome and 15 in Parma’s semifinal. Although she limited errors against Boisson, Stubbs cautioned that Sabalenka’s return game will “make her pay” if Gauff fails to tighten her toss, elbow placement, and left-arm control.
Sabalenka’s Serve Redemption Sets the Standard
Sabalenka’s own serving meltdown in 2021–22—averaging 14 double faults per match and racking up 440 in a season—provides a blueprint for improvement. With biomechanist Gavin Macmillan, she retooled her take-back and wrist alignment to transform her serve into a weapon. That makeover underpins her run, including a decisive 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 semifinal win over Iga Świątek.
Mental Growth vs. Technical Hurdles
At 21, Gauff strides into the final far more composed than her nervous 2022 debut, when Świątek dispatched her 6-1, 6-3. “I have a lot more confidence from playing a Grand Slam final before,” she said. Still, Stubbs insists that unless Gauff eradicates technical flaws—low elbow, left arm drop, erratic toss—her shot-making won’t be enough against Sabalenka on clay.
High-Stakes Head-to-Head Deadlock
Their rivalry sits level at 5-5. Sabalenka claimed three of their last four meetings, including Madrid’s recent final. With Sabalenka embracing clay and Gauff armed with speed, Saturday’s match promises to hinge on serve execution. A single break from an errant service game could tip the balance.
Clash to Decide a Champion
Sunday’s final pits a player chasing her second major (Gauff) against one determined to capture her first Roland Garros crown (Sabalenka). Confidence and consistency of serve will decide who lifts the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen—will Gauff overcome her technical hurdles, or will Sabalenka’s reinvented serve deliver her long-awaited clay triumph?