The Madrid Open semi-final between Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek was one of the most surprising results of the year so far.
A match that many expected to be a closely-fought battle, was over in just one hour and four minutes.
Gauff wasted no time defeating Swiatek in empathic fashion to seal a place in the Madrid Open final for the first time.
Gauff’s 6-1, 6-1 victory marked her fourth against the World number two and a third in a row, as Swiatek’s title defence came to an end.
Jim Courier found Iga Swiatek comments after the Madrid Open semi-final ‘weird’
Swiatek was seen in tears during a changeover as she sprayed errors all over the court during a comprehensive defeat to Gauff.
The Pole hit an astonishing 21 unforced errors while winning just 35% of her first serve points in an uncharacteristic performance, while failing to create any break points on Gauff’s serve.
Post-match Swiatek said she struggled with her movement, and Tennis Channel commentator Jim Courier found these comments to be somewhat surprising, given how strong her movement usually is and in particular on clay.
“Iga after the match was commenting on how she feels very uncomfortable with her footwork right now. That is something which is really weird because that is in your control,” Courier said.
“That does not have anything to do with your opponents. It is almost like she is having an out of body experience right now. It is very uncharacteristic to hear her say that for sure.”
His co-host Tracy Austin, who was also surprised by Swiatek’s comments, added: “Especially on clay. That is where she usually has a bit more time. The footwork on grass for Iga would be a bit more uncomfortable.”
Jim Courier assesses Coco Gauff’s performance after she beat Iga Swiatek in Madrid
Courier also took some time to comment on Gauff’s performance, who produced one of her best displays of the season.
The American registered 18 winners and committed just four unforced errors, while winning 75% of her second serve points.
Courier took time to mention Gauff’s forehand, which can at times be an issue for her, but she struck it well and it was key shots in her comprehensive victory.
“When she beat her in the United Cup in Sydney the forehand, we were commentating on that match, about how she was driving through the forehand and how it looked so good and then there have been times this year where it has not been as good,” she said.
“Today there were times it looked as good as it has ever looked. Can she maintain this momentum? Because today she had Iga flummoxed.”
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