Coco Gauff didn’t just book her place in the Madrid Open final she made a statement about her rising dominance on clay courts. The 20-year-old American stunned defending champion Iga Swiatek with a decisive 6-1, 6-1 win on Thursday, showcasing a tactical maturity and confidence that marks a new chapter in her career.
Known more for her hard-court success, Gauff flipped the script in Madrid, dismantling the five-time Grand Slam winner with precision and relentless pressure. It took just 64 minutes for her to dismantle Swiatek’s usually impenetrable clay game breaking the world No. 2 five times in the process.
While much of the tennis world expected Swiatek to cruise through the semifinal, Gauff came prepared with a clear game plan and unshakable composure. Her aggressive returns and consistent depth kept the Pole on the back foot a rare sight on clay, where Swiatek typically thrives.
Now, Gauff will face world number one Aryna Sabalenka in what promises to be a heavyweight final. But even before the trophy is lifted, this semifinal win signals something bigger: Coco Gauff is no longer just a rising star she’s reshaping the clay court narrative.
