Gauff has unfinished business in Paris

The scoreline seemed harsh on Gauff -- the world No.6 carved out plenty of chances, but couldn't quite find the right blend of relying on her own weapons and trying to push the top seed into uncomfortable positions.

"I think I had a couple of chances to maybe go up in the scoreboard. A couple of break point opportunities [she converted one of five]," said the 19-year-old.

"Little points can always change the momentum of the match, and she takes care of the details well, and it's something that I do good too, but it's obviously against her I need to do even better."

There is absolutely no shame in falling to two-time champion Swiatek - the Pole has accumulated a 26-2 record in Paris now. However, for Gauff it’s a seventh straights-set defeat to the world No.1.

"Obviously, you lose to someone seven times, you feel c***py. It's not fun at all, but also, every time I play her, I'm not thinking about the previous record," said the Floridian.

"If I go in believing that I lost the match before it already happens, then I'm never going to win. But obviously when it's over, yeah, it does suck."

Looking up on clay

In the build-up to Roland-Garros, in contrast to her performance on other surfaces, Gauff had only accumulated a 3-3 record on clay courts. But there's a sense of having turned a corner in Paris.

"I do think I improved a lot in certain aspects of the game. I think my returns improved a lot this tournament. Everybody noticed I was being more aggressive, and I think I tried that today but I missed," Gauff said.

"Right now in this moment I feel like not a lot of positives, but I'm sure in a couple of days I will think more positively.

"I'm proud of how I was able to turn around the season. I think especially those wins in the first round and then against Mirra [Andreeva].

"I think sometimes I can lose the first set and go into a panic mode, and I think I stayed calm.

Even today I lost the first set, and I had opportunities early in the second, but I try my best to stay calm in those moments. So, I think that's something I did improve on."

Still in the fight

Last June, Gauff and compatriot Jessica Pegula made it into the doubles final on Court Philippe-Chatrier. This year they're one step away, through to the semi-finals once again where they face fellow American Taylor Townsend and partner Leylah Fernandez of Canada.

It’s unfinished business for the stars and stripes duo.

"I still have a chance in doubles. I think really the game cheers me up," said Gauff, who is ranked No.3 in the world in doubles.

"The fact that I have another opportunity to play brings excitement to me. I have an opportunity. Maybe not at the singles trophy, but the doubles trophy, and that's what makes me excited the most."