American Coco Gauff comments on serve performance at the start of the season on clay

The victory marked the 22-year-old tennis player’s debut in the clay season in 2026. Gauff arrived as the current champion of Roland Garros and with a good recent record on the surface, after the title in Miami on hard. The match didn’t start easily. Samsonova broke the American’s serve at the beginning of the first set.

Gauff reacted, returned the break and closed the partial at 7-5. In the second set, he dominated from start to finish and won 6-1. The confrontation lasted one hour and 36 minutes.

Gauff seeks specific rhythm on indoor clay

The American recognized the difficulties of the floor in Stuttgart. Ela described the court as slippery and different from other clay events. The indoor environment also requires greater adaptation, according to her.

“For me, it’s just a matter of finding my rhythm here. Não I do well here. Estou trying to break this curse,” said Gauff after the match. Ela cited the good result in Miami as a positive sign that it can improve further.

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The tennis player avoided setting high expectations for the tournament. “I also don’t have many expectations for this tournament, because it’s a clay that I don’t think favors my game”, he added. The floor favors taller players with straighter shots, in her view. Ainda thus, Gauff said she was pleased to have advanced.

• The surface in Stuttgart is indoor and slippery
• Diferente of Madrid and Roma on clay calendar
• Gauff already won the title from Roland Garros in the previous season
• Ela seeks to repeat good performance in subsequent events

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Ajustes on withdrawal shows positive signs

Gauff’s withdrawal has been in focus over the past few months. The player worked with coach Gavin MacMillan to correct recurring issues. In the victory against Samsonova, she rated the performance as good.

“Yes, I made some changes and I think it looks better. Saquei did very well today, I think,” he said. Gauff acknowledged some double errors, but downplayed the impact. “I had a few moments where I gave two points, but it could have been three. Eu should have come out of that 4-0 game a little quicker.”

Ela highlighted the free points won, especially with the kick serve. “I’m happy with my serve today. Acho I got a lot of free points, especially my shot.” The recent work has brought more consistency, according to the American.

Inspiração comes from Rafael Nadal on clay

In the on-court interview, Gauff was asked about surface game models. Ela named the greatest clay court player in history. The American tries to replicate some elements of his forehand.

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“I try to hit my forehand like he does on clay. Não runs as much as he does because my forehand is not as good as his,” he explained. Gauff joked about the comparison to avoid overreacting. Ela defined itself as a more modest version of the style.

The 22-year-old tennis player defends the Roland Garros title won in 2025. The current campaign in Stuttgart serves as preparation for the big events of the clay season. The confrontation against Muchova in the quarterfinals represents another test of adaptation.

Gauff leads the direct record against the Czech. Ainda thus, she treated the duel with caution. The tournament in Stuttgart offers important ranking points and pace before Madrid and Roma.

The American continues to have good momentum after her recent success in Miami. The victory over Samsonova reinforces confidence for the rest of the season. The focus remains on technical adjustments and adaptation to the floor.