Can Gauff beat Osaka ? – The Eye of the Coach #2

Can Cori Gauff beat Naomi Osaka ? That’s the question we asked to Patrick Mouratoglou in this “Eye of the Coach” video for Tennis Majors during the Australian Open. The young American will face the Japanese for the second time in their careers.

“At the US Open last year, Naomi Osaka beat Cori Gauff easily (6-3, 6-0). In the USA, with Coco. With Naomi, the previous year winner. In the biggest stadium in the world. She ended up being very nervous and very defensive. On the other side, Naomi played on an incredible level.”

Gauff is “still 15, but she improves incredibly fast”

At this time, Cori Gauff has more experience (she won her first title in Linz), more confidence and plays a great level of tennis since the beginning of the Australian Open. Cori Gauff beat her idol Venus Williams in the Australian Open first round (7-6, 6-3). It’s the second time the young American girl beat Venus. During the second round, Gauff lost one set against Sorana Cirstea, but was mentally solid to win the match. Now, she will face Noami Osaka in the third round.

“This time is going to be different. She will be able to play. To express her tennis, to be more aggressive. And cause more problem to Naomi. First of all, Coco is a better player. She’s still 15, but she improves incredibly fast. She’s serving better, she’s more consistent on both sides. She trusts her backhand cross even more. She’s gonna be more excited than stressed. That’s a key.”

Both players will play on Rod Laver Arena, a big stadium where Naomi Osaka won her second Grand Slam title last year. The Japanese is clearly favorite, but she is not in a good dynamic. She must fear Cori Gauff.

“Coco will have to dictate the rallies, she can have the tendency to rely a lot on her footwork and defensive game. Because she’s amazing at defense. But, as much as possible, she will have to pass from defense to offense.”