Gauff, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open last year, won her first nine matches of the season and capped 2024 with victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. But she also kept her expectations low, revamping her serve and forehand with a grip specialist.
“I take it with a grain of salt. Some people have good intentions, so I don’t look at it like it’s bad,” Gauff added. “I’m proud of myself and that’s all I can say.
“I promise that I will continue to do my best to improve and live up to my own expectations of myself and whatever anyone else has, I will do it…no matter. I can’t control that,” she says, smiling.
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-Gauff was quick to give credit to his opponent Badosa, who nearly a year ago was on the verge of considering retirement due to a lower back injury. Now, the Spaniard is expected to return to the WTA Top 10 for the first time since 2022 after recording her first appearance in a major semi-final, where the winner of Aryna Sabalenka and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova awaits her.
“Paula played very well. Maybe some moments in the first set could have gone in my favor, the result could have been different in the first set,” Gauff said.
“I think it’s just a lot more work to do, but I’m obviously disappointed, but I’m not completely crushed. I’m looking forward to a lot of things. »