Coco Gauff To Play Marta Kostyuk
American [4] Coco Gauff is into her first Australian Open quarterfinals and so too is her opponent, Marta Kostyuk. This will not be an easy match for Gauff. Kostyuk is playing with confidence and in their one previous encounter, she pushed Gauff to three sets at the 2022 tournament in Adelaide. Yet the American has the confidence of winning her first major on her side and appears better equipped to manage the adversity of a hard-hitting opponent.
Embed from Getty ImagesKostyuk Hopes To Derail Gauff’s Plans
Gauff is looking to add to her trophy collection. It would be nice to add the trophy of the first major of the 2024 season to her collection, making a nice bookend. We know she is physically fit; however, when pushed her forehand and her serve can be liabilities. Will Kostyuk attack the forehand or does she have another plan of attack in mind? I pick Gauff to win this match. Leave a comment with your choice. Thaks!
Embed from Getty ImagesTaylor Fritz Needs A Different Mindset
American [12] Taylor Fritz is hoping that he will get the biggest victory of his career. However, [1] Novak Djokovic has never lost to him in eight encounters. However, Fritz can take some confidence from pushing Djokovic to five sets in the third round of the 2021 Australian Open. Fritz needs to start off well and believe, if he falls behind that will be the end of the match as far as he is concerned. Defeating Djokovic is tough ask especially when you have never done it, he needs to take a page out of Alex de Minaur’s book and play to win.
Fritz Needs A Mindset That Accepts
Play without the fear of losing. Play like [3] Daniil Medvedev who never considers the score. His focus remains on victory. When you play with a fear of losing, you have already lost the match before you begin. Fear limits your potential, by keeping you tense, which prevents you from moving freely and thinking clearly. Instead of problem solving, fear leaves you paralyzed with doubts and dread, which are not good for your game.
Embed from Getty ImagesIMAGES COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
