“I have a plan”: Potapowa can serve against Gauff at center court

Somehow grotesque, because this series could break a woman who will play her only Grand Slam round of 16 in Paris in 2024. Anastasia Potapowa But she did this as a Russian at the time, but on Saturday she could do this as an Austrian. But it takes a show of strength, and the 25-year-old can do it Coco Gauff of all people, the defending champion and number four in the world (3rd game after 12 p.m., live Servus TV, Eurosport).

The meeting with the US star is the reward for a fighting performance in the second round, in which the 25-year-old Potapowa was not impressed by a set deficit against the British Katie Boulter on Thursday and finally prevailed against the world number 71 5:7, 6:4, 6:2.

In the direct duel with Gauff it is 2:2, but be careful: Potapowa won the most recent two matches, in 2023 on the clay in Stuttgart and on the hard court in Miami. “In the last two duels I found out what she doesn’t like,” said Potapova. “I have a plan. The keys will be to fight to the last point and follow the game plan.”

In front of over ten thousand spectators Centercourt Philippe Chatrier performing is another boost of motivation. “I’ve never had a problem playing on the big pitches. I enjoy it, I feel comfortable there. I like the crowd, it was the same as a young player.”