Coco Gauff advanced to the Italian Open quarter-finals on Monday after battling past youngster Iva Jovic.
Gauff, the world number three, saved a match point before defeating her compatriot 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 on the Italian Open Centre Court.
It was the second consecutive match during which Gauff had fought back from a set down.
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Gauff has made a habit of playing three-set matches, with 10 of her last 14 contests playing out in this manner.
One former professional player has expressed her frustration regarding Gauff’s lack of consistency on the Tour.
Annabel Croft says Coco Gauff’s inconsistent play is ‘inexplicable’
“I think it’s a bit inexplicable,” former world number 24 Annabel Croft [pictured below] said on Sky Sports midway through Gauff and Jovic’s two-hour, 45-minute contest.
“It’s a pattern that is in her matches. I’m not sure that she even knows why this happens.
“She tries to address it all and there are moments where it becomes solid and it’s a mind thing.
“You are either in the zone where you are not overthinking. The worst thing in tennis is to overthink.
“They don’t want to be overthinking and I think there are patches where she starts to overthink her technique and then there are moments where it goes away.
Top half of the Italian Open draw
- Sorana Cirstea vs Jelena Ostapenko
- Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva
“One of the most important factors for any top players, where you hear them saying the difference between the players and where their ranking is at, it is their ability to sustain the level.
“Lately in matches [for Gauff] it is just a rollercoaster ride.
“It’s equally as difficult for an opponent to keep up with because you are never sure what is coming. It’s difficult to keep a rhythm.”
Despite her inconsistency, Gauff continues to grind out victories.
The American remains the most resilient player on the WTA Tour, and today’s performance did little to change that perception.
Gauff will hope for another spirited performance when she plays Mirra Andreeeva in the quarter-finals.
The pair have met four times previously on the WTA Tour, with Gauff winning all four of those contests.
Do you think Mirra Andreeva is more likely to win the French Open than Iga Swiatek?
Mirra Andreeva is into the Madrid Open final…
Coco Gauff needs to improve her consistency during matches
As already mentioned, Coco Gauff is one of tennis’ great fighters – an individual who never gives in.
However, some greater consistency is needed.
Too often Gauff is having to battle through intense, long, three-set battles – contests that must be physically and mentally draining.
Simply put, as talented as she is, Gauff is not indestructible, and the relentless nature of these battles may affect her ability to advance far in major WTA events in the future.
