Coco Gauff delighted to reap the benefits of pre-season work

James Richardson 05 Jan 2024 5:15 PM

Coco Gauff reacts at the 2023 US Open

Coco Gauff has been working hard on her serve in the pre-season, and is happy to reap those rewards in Auckland.

Gauff eased into the last four of the ASB Classic thanks to a 6-1 6-1 win over Varvara Gracheva in Auckland on Friday.

The US Open champion has won her last eight matches in Auckland and has not dropped a single set across that winning streak.

Gauff will play compatriot and No 4 seed Emma Navarro in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Gauff, who is defending her championship in New Zealand, required only 53 minutes to defeat Gracheva after the match was delayed due to rain.

Gauff raced to a 3-0 lead before Gracheva held her service for the first time, but the American won the first set in 33 minutes off the back of her lethal first serve, along with her power and accuracy from the baseline.

Gauff established a 4-0 lead in the second set, which followed a similar pattern. Gracheva’s unforced errors continued to mount, while Gauff converted five of seven break points.

The world No 3 advanced to the semi-finals after converting her third match point.

In delivering her post-match comments Gauff, , who won 21 of 29 points on her first serve, noted that she had been working hard on her delivery in pre-season.

“I thought I served really well,” Gauff said, noting the extensive pre-season work put in by her and her team.

“Probably the best so far in the tournament, which is something I’ve been working on off-season. I’m really happy with how I played.

“I’m glad I was able to finish my match [before more rain].”

There are concerns that the weather might be a factor in the semi-finals on Saturday which could also impact the final scheduled to take place on Sunday.

In the semifinals, Gauff will face fellow American Navarro. Navarro, the fourth seed, defeated Petra Martic of France 6-4, 6-3 with the Frenchwoman unable to find an answer.

When the two played in Cincinnati in August, Navarro fell to Martic 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. She flipped the script on Friday, putting 80% of her first serves in play and targeting Martic’s delivery, especially on her second serve.

“Tennis always keeps us on our toes so you’ve got to be ready for things like rain delays,” Navarro said after claiming her win back over Martic in Auckland.

“I was happy with my performance today, played my most comfortable tennis out here.”