Gauff after her lost final against Sabalenka: "My first-serve percentage wasn't good today"

Coco Gauff gave it her all this Saturday in the Madrid final but ultimately surrendered to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Defeated for the second time in her career in a tournament final, the American discussed what she lacked in this match to trouble her opponent more:

"She started the match at full throttle. I had to take more risks on my second serve, and that’s why I started making double faults.

My first-serve percentage wasn’t good today (55%), so I had to dominate the rally with the second serve. Maybe with more first serves, the match would have been different.

She knew how to seize opportunities, and I couldn’t put pressure on her. She’s improved in every area.

We’ve played ten times, and I didn’t feel like I played differently today. Last time, I beat her by serving better. Today, she moved better and had more confidence—that’s why she’s achieving great results. [...]

I hate losing, especially in a final because you’re so close to the title. This match was tough, but I lose here to win in other tournaments. It’s part of the learning process, and this loss will motivate me going forward."