Yulia Putintseva’s recent success at Wimbledon has carried over into the North American hard-court swing, culminating in a significant upset over world No 2 Coco Gauff at the Cincinnati Open.
Putintseva, ranked 32nd in the world, has demonstrated her ability to defeat top players consistently, a stark contrast to her previous performances. Her confidence and belief in her own abilities have played a crucial role in her recent winning streak.
Despite missing the Olympics due to a knee injury, Putintseva has maintained her momentum, winning ten out of eleven matches since June. Her inner belief, instilled by her parents, has been a driving force behind her success on the court.
On the other hand, Coco Gauff has struggled with consistency and form, facing early exits at Wimbledon and the Olympics. Her recent defeat at Cincinnati indicates a need for improvement and a reset before the upcoming US Open.
As the US Open approaches, Gauff and her team will work towards regaining her form and confidence to defend her title. However, facing players like Putintseva, who are riding high on confidence and self-belief, could pose a challenge for the defending champion.
