Swiatek and Gauff Face Off in Riyadh with New Coaches in Tow
The WTA’s 2024 season has been a testament to the grueling nature of the sport, with even the top players experiencing peaks and valleys throughout the year. Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, who will face off in the year-end championships in Riyadh, are prime examples of this.
Swiatek, the former world No. 1, dominated the first half of the season, winning five titles. However, since then, she has struggled to maintain her form, splitting with her coach and ceding her top ranking. Gauff, on the other hand, had a respectable start to the year but hit a rough patch during the summer swing. She has since rebounded, winning a 1000-level title in Beijing.
Both players have recently hired new coaches, with Swiatek bringing on Wim Fissette and Gauff adding Matt Daly to her team. Both coaches are known for their expertise in improving serve, a key area of focus for both Swiatek and Gauff.
Beyond their serves, both players are seeking long-term guidance from their coaches. Swiatek wants to improve her tactical variety, while Gauff aims to enhance her forehand and maintain consistency.
Despite their recent coaching changes, neither Swiatek nor Gauff expects immediate solutions in Riyadh. However, the match between them on Tuesday could provide a glimpse into the potential impact of their new mentors. Swiatek has dominated their rivalry in the past, but Gauff’s recent form and the hard court surface could give her an advantage.
The winner of the match will move closer to the semifinals in Riyadh and gain momentum heading into the new year. Regardless of the outcome, both Swiatek and Gauff will continue to navigate the ups and downs of the long and demanding WTA season.