Cori Gauff insists playing against Iga Swiatek at the French Open has been her wish all along. Gauff, ranked at No 6 in the world, is set to meet top-seeded Swiatek in the French Open quarterfinal. Last year, 19-year-old Gauff made her first Grand Slam final at the French Open before Swiatek handed her a 6-1 6-3 defeat.
This year, Gauff and Swiatek will again be facing each other on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Against Swiatek, Gauff has never won a set as the Pole has had six straight-set wins over the American.
Gauff aims to stun Swiatek
“Honestly, since last year I have been wanting to play her, especially at this tournament.
I figured that it was going to happen because I figured I was going to do well and she was going to do well. Didn’t know what side of the draw we were going to be on, obviously. But I’m the type of mentality, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.
I think also, if you want to improve, you have to play the best. I feel like, the way my career has gone so far, if I see a level, and if I’m not quite there at that level, I know I have to improve. I think it would be almost cowardly to say that I want to not face the noise and not face the challenge, but I think that I’m up for it.
I have improved a lot since last year, and she has too. I think it would be a great battle for us and for the fans, too," Gauff said, via Tennis365. Swiatek, a two-time French Open champion, is widely considered the top favorite to repeat as Roland Garros champion this year. It remains to be seen if Gauff can produce a major upset and end Swiatek's French Open title defense.
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