Johanna Konta vs Cori Gauff: French Open Preview and Prediction

Ninth seed Johanna Konta commences her French Open campaign against teen sensation Cori Gauff. 

Konta is coming into this tournament after a straight-less loss to Garbine Muguruza in the pre-quarterfinals of the Rome Masters. 

On the other hand, Gauff also lost to Muguruza in three sets in Rome. 

Head to Head record 

This is their first meeting in their career. Konta will be looking to improve her semifinal finish at last year's French Open where she lost to Marketa Vondrousova. 

Gauff will be making her debut at Roland Garros and is a former junior French Open champion in 2018.

With both players having not played many matches due to the lockdown, it remains to be seen how they adapt to the changing conditions in Paris. Konta possesses more experience on clay. 

Gauff has played even better players in her first-round encounters in majors having toppled the likes of Venus Williams. Konta has to play aggressive and take the attack to Gauff. 

The American is also lightning-quick on the court owing to her athletic prowess and can chase down any ball. She has to reduce her count of double-faults having produced 35 in her last three matches and hit her forehand deep to unsettle Konta. 

Despite some positives results, Konta has struggled for consistency this season. 

Gauff has displayed a sense of maturity well beyond her years and can produce some of her best tennis when her back is against the wall. Konta needs a well-constructed gameplan to trouble Gauff. 

“I know she’s very mature for her age, that’s why she’s able to compete at the level she’s competing, she’s physically and mentally mature enough to deal with the demands we have on tour, obviously she’s going to just keep getting better and better, it’s going to be a very good challenge for me, I’m looking forward to playing her", said Konta praising her opponent ahead of the intriguing clash. 

Gauff will look to get quickly off the mark and use her powerful groundstrokes to get momentum. Konta will aim to attack the vulnerable second serve of Gauff to sail through. 

Prediction - Johanna Konta to win in three sets 

Featured image credits: firstsportz.com