Coco Gauff’s loss to Elena Rybakina was not a simple regression. In the first set, Gauff showed a version of her game that can absorb elite pace, serve with real pace, defend with purpose, and transition from neutral to offense off both wings. The issue was not whether the forehand and serve exist anymore; the issue was whether Coco fully trusted them when the match became most pressurized.
Alvin and Torrey break down how Rybakina solved the match by becoming more intentional with her patterns, moving away from predictable crosscourt power and using more middle balls, jammed forehands, and selective changes of direction. They also compare the different ways opponents have attacked Coco’s forehand, especially the high, slower ball that still keeps her from hurting opponents consistently.
The episode closes with Aryna Sabalenka’s dominant win over Jessica Pegula and a preview of a fitting US Open final between Rybakina and Sabalenka. It is a true No. 1 vs No. 2 power matchup, but also a test of which player can impose their weapons without giving the other room to breathe.
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