Gauff will have to derail the momentum of the series leader, who has won 54 of his last 56 sets and is an expert at navigating the finals. Swiatek are 8-1 in the finals, winning their last 16 straight sets in the title decision.
“I think he’s definitely taking advantage of the opportunities that are given to me. He won’t give you many,” Gauff said. “Looking at his game, I think he ‘s doing a great job changing direction and hitting angles off the court, he’ s always hitting.
“But I will try to be aggressive at the right times and patient at the right times. I played it in Miami and I think sometimes I made unforced mistakes at some unnecessary times.”
Swiatek won 6-3, 6-1 in Miami in March and also won its first matchup, which was 7-6 (3), 6-3 in Rome’s clay court last summer.
“I’m very happy that she’s doing well, because I think she’s also been under a lot of pressure in her life, and to always be like the youngest and the one that’s supposed to be the future, it must have been difficult.” said Swiatek.
“From what I see on the track, it’s basically happening every year. When I see her, I tend to forget that she is 18 years old. He plays very consistently. You see it progressing, and I think that’s the most important thing. “