“It was not the best match for me.” Coco Gauff’s words echoed the frustration of a player still searching for answers, as another disappointing loss adds to the series of heartbreaks this season. Just a year ago, she was on top of the world, defeating stars like Iga Swiatek, but this time, the Cincinnati Masters didn’t offer the same storybook ending. Gauff’s struggles have been evident lately, with each match feeling like an uphill battle. While any defeat stings, this one is particularly hard to swallow. Losing is never easy, but it’s even tougher when your opponent rubs salt in the wound.

Yulia Putintseva reflected upon the match in an interview with the Tennis Channel and highlighted the factors that led to her glory. While she explained the pressure she received from her coach that helped her impressive run, Putintseva also discussed the errors that Gauff made and took a veiled dig at her performance. 

When quizzed about what really unfolded in the third set of the match, the star player said, “It was very very tough. Coco started to play very well in the 2nd set. Putting a lot of pressure on my serve and shots. I felt like she was running everywhere and getting all the balls back.” The match was no less than a roller coaster ride for both players. While the Kazhak player won the first set of the match 6-4, Gauff found rhythm in the second and baffled Putintseva 6-2. The third set could have gone anywhere, but Putintseva believes that the American helped her in winning the set.

Speaking further in the interview, the 29-year-old said, “In the end I got a little lucky with my shots. That’s what made the difference. Plus she helped a little bit. In the very important moments she dropped her serve a bit and that’s what made the difference in the 3rd set.” Interestingly, the series of mistakes that Gauff made in the match might have actually impacted the result.

The American star shot nine double faults throughout the course of the match, besides the 50+ errors that came from her racquet. Two of these double faults came in the seventh game of the final set. Gauff went from a lead of 4-2 to 6-4, and lost to Putintseva for the first time in their four meetings. The misery was highlighted by Gauff herself as well.

Speaking after the defeat, the 20-year-old said, “I made a lot of errors, especially when I was up 4-2 (in the third). I think most of the points she won were off my errors.” Continuing further, Gauff admitted the superiority of the Kazhak in the match and said that it’s always tricky to play against her. “She mixes up the ball. She has drop shots, slice. She’s kind of someone that makes you earn the match.” For Putintseva, the match is more than the win she acquired.

Can Putintseva continue her sensational record in the final slam of the year?

The Kazhakh tennis sensation is proving that she is all geared up for the final grand slam of the year. While defeating the defending champion and the World No. 2 is already a remarkable feat, Putintseva has continued the sensational record of winning against the Top 5 players this season. This was the first match for Putintseva after her Wimbledon campaign where she reached the fourth round.

She had stunned World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the campaign who was left frustrated and anxious after the defeat. Coming back to her match against Gauff, Putintseva was previously 0-3 against her in her career, with all her defeats coming on clay. But after picking up her second career win over a reigning World No.1 against Swiatek on the grass, she seemed poised and earned her second career win over a World No.2 against Gauff.

Prior to this season, Putintseva hadn’t defeated a Top 5 player in a completed match since 2019. But times have changed and she now has 7-26 streak in her career against such opponents. With the US Open around the corner, it would be interesting to see how effectively Putintseva can continue her winning streak. Can she win big at Cincinnati? Can she take the momentum to New York?