PARIS — Rising tennis star Coco Gauff has revealed her strategy to counter the French Open crowd's energy as she prepares to face local favorite Lois Boisson in a highly anticipated semi-final clash. The 20-year-old American, who has been in scintillating form this season, acknowledged the challenge of playing against a home favorite but remains confident in her game plan.
Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has been vocal about her mental preparation for high-pressure matches. "I know the crowd will be against me, but I’ve learned to use that as fuel," she told reporters after her quarter-final victory. "I’ve played in these situations before, and I’m ready."
Turning Adversity into Advantage
Gauff’s ability to thrive under pressure has been a hallmark of her young career. She emphasized that her experience playing in hostile environments, including last year’s French Open final against Iga Swiatek, has hardened her mentally. "The louder they get, the more I lock in," she said with a determined smile.
Her coach, Brad Gilbert, has been instrumental in refining her mental approach. Gilbert, a former top-10 player himself, has worked with Gauff on:
- Staying composed during momentum shifts
- Using controlled aggression to silence crowds
- Embracing the underdog role in away matches
Analyzing Boisson’s Game
Gauff has studied Boisson’s game extensively, noting the Frenchwoman’s powerful baseline play and ability to feed off crowd energy. "She’s a great player, especially here in Paris," Gauff admitted. "But I’ve identified areas I can exploit."
Key Tactical Adjustments
Gauff plans to implement several strategic adjustments:
- Targeting Boisson’s weaker backhand side with deep returns
- Mixing up pace to disrupt her rhythm
- Using drop shots to counter Boisson’s deep court positioning
Statistics support Gauff’s approach. In their only previous meeting (a hardcourt match last year), Gauff won 68% of points when attacking Boisson’s backhand. "The data doesn’t lie," Gauff noted. "I’ll stick to what works."
Handling the Crowd Factor
The Roland Garros crowd is notoriously partisan, and Gauff expects nothing less than a wall of noise supporting Boisson. "I actually enjoy these moments," she revealed. "It makes winning even sweeter."
Sports psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller, who has worked with several top players, explained why Gauff thrives in these conditions: "Coco has an exceptional ability to channel external pressure into focused performance. It’s a rare quality in someone so young."
The Road to the Semis
Gauff’s path to the semi-finals has been impressive, dropping just one set en route. Her quarter-final demolition of reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova sent a clear message to the field. "I’m playing my best tennis right now," Gauff stated matter-of-factly.
Boisson, meanwhile, has ridden a wave of home support to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final. The 22-year-old’s emotional victory over third seed Elena Rybakina showcased her fighting spirit, with the Parisian crowd carrying her through tense moments.
What’s at Stake
For Gauff, a win would mean:
- A second consecutive Grand Slam final appearance
- A chance to dethrone Iga Swiatek as French Open champion
- Further cementing her status as tennis’ next superstar
For Boisson, the match represents a chance to become the first Frenchwoman since Mary Pierce in 2005 to reach the Roland Garros final. "The pressure is all on her," Gauff observed. "I can play free."
Final Thoughts
As the tennis world eagerly anticipates this clash of generations, Gauff remains focused on execution. "At the end of the day, it’s just me against her across the net," she said. "The crowd can’t hit the ball for her."
With her combination of tactical awareness, mental toughness, and big-match experience, Gauff appears ready to weather the Parisian storm. As she put it succinctly: "I didn’t come this far to lose now."