Love Holds is a new spinoff of the Lucky Letcord Podcast. Instead of a long form interview or discussion breaking down an event, player or turning point in the season, Love Holds is a daily check-in that rifles through a few key talking points. It will be our way to stay in touch, and while doing so, make note of the key achievements being unlocked during the week, which are typically ones that are forgotten by the time the week ends!
Hope you enjoy – and your feedback is always appreciated.
Today, on Love Holds:
1. Coco Gauff’s solid run in Adelaide takes her to a new career-high ranking.
So much to like about Gauff’s ability to win tight matches and keep battling no matter what the circumstances this week in Adelaide. After rallying from a set and 3-0 down vs. Kaja Juvan in her final qualifying match, the 16-year-old American won three more three-setters in the main draw before finally falling to Belinda Bencic in three. Even against Bencic, Gauff showed off her grit. She saved a match point to force a decider.
Gauff’s backhand was incredible all week, but we feel that her forehand and second serve, while shaky at times, will not hinder her long-term progress. She’ll rise to No.38 in next year’s rankings. She may be be a seeded player by the time Roland Garros rolls around.
2. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina – a player to keep an eye on.
One word: wild! That’s the game of Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Every time we flip on one of the 21-year-old’s matches, he is improvising, daring and gutsy. Lots to love about this kid.
3. Iga Swiatek the plan is coming together for the 19-year-old Pole.
She’s striving for consistency week-in and week-out on tour, and so far it’s been a job well done for Swiatek in 2021. She’s into the final in Adelaide and her game is such a delight to watch. It flows from her baseline athleticism and possesses so many strengths. These days we are blown away by Swiatek’s speed. Have you watched her track down drop shots this week at all? She can flat-out fly!