🎾 WTA Madrid: Ann Li vs Coco Gauff

🎾 WTA Madrid: Ann Li vs Coco Gauff – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇺🇸 Coco Gauff

• Inconsistent 2025: Started the year with a 9-match winning streak but has struggled to maintain form since.
• Madrid Escape: Needed a big comeback in R2, rallying from a 0–6 set down to beat Yastremska 0–6, 6–2, 7–5.
• Big-Match Pedigree: Closed 2024 with major titles in Beijing and at the WTA Finals—proven ability to raise her level when needed.
• Madrid Goals: Aiming to surpass her best result here (R3 in 2022).

🇺🇸 Ann Li

• Career Revival: Rising from No. 187 to potentially top-60 after reaching finals in Merida and Singapore this season.
• Madrid Breakthrough: Defeated Sasnovich and upset 25th seed Fernandez, earning her first top-30 win since August 2023.
• Fearless Approach: Playing with freedom and a nothing-to-lose mindset.
• Madrid Debut: Off to a dream start at her first Caja Mágica appearance.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Gauff’s forehand remains a vulnerability, particularly under pressure, and Li could expose that with early aggression and flat hitting. Yastremska succeeded in rushing Gauff for large stretches, and Li will likely adopt a similar plan.

However, Gauff’s athleticism, defense, and ability to find solutions mid-match often allow her to survive rough patches. If she manages to serve better and tidy up the unforced errors, her superior physicality should gradually tilt the contest her way.

Their previous meetings heavily favor Gauff, and although Madrid’s altitude might help Li’s flatter strokes, sustaining that aggressive accuracy over two sets will be the major challenge.

🔮 Prediction

✔️ Prediction: Coco Gauff in 2 tight sets

Expect Li to push Gauff early, but the American’s resilience and ability to flip matches should eventually shine through. Gauff’s path may be bumpy, but she remains the strong favorite to advance.

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