After overcoming tricky challenges and finding solutions to reach the final without dropping a set, she brought her highest level into her first Grand Slam singles final against Iga Swiatek. Any opening the Pole allowed, Gauff was right there, ready to attack.
The problem was, there were so few openings for Gauff to pounce on. The world No.1 was simply “too good” on Saturday, Gauff said, and accepting the lessons from her 6-1, 6-3 defeat has proved to be another learning experience all on its own.
“I wasn't as nervous really entering the match,” the No.18 seed revealed in her post-match press conference. “Obviously, when I lost the first couple of games the nerves started to come, but when I lost the first set I really came out in the second and had a new mindset.
“But I think for the most part I think that Iga was just too good today. It's one of those matches that, yes, I, in some moments, could have played better. But she really didn't give me anything. Every time I thought I hit a good ball, it wasn't.
“There is a reason why she's on a winning streak. I'm just glad that I really tried my best today.”