Why did Gauff not celebrate after defeating Paolini and gaining hope to advance? Gauff reveals the reason: it was a lucky win.

If humility can serve as a moral example, then the American player Gauff at the Riyadh year-end finals certainly qualifies!

After Swiatek was strongly overturned by Rybakina with a bagel and a duck in the second round of the Serena group, the Polish player’s post-match remark “My ability wasn’t sufficient” appeared to justify her defeat, yet many fans and netizens hailed her as a model of modesty. In their view, the more popular the star, the humbler they are; they only blame themselves when losing and never make excuses, earning respect from the public inevitably.

It was expected that Swiatek’s humble loss was normal, but after Gauff defeated the Italian Paolini in two sets, her post-match behavior directly mirrored the Polish player’s humility, which earned her praise and admiration from fans and netizens alike.

Before the match against Paolini started, although Gauff’s performance in the group stage debut loss to Pegula was somewhat disappointing, many still believed Gauff would have no problem beating Paolini because top players usually have a trait: they rarely lose twice in a row, especially in major events like the Riyadh year-end finals.

It proved true that Paolini, ranked and overall less strong than Gauff, was indeed hard to challenge the American girl, ultimately being swept 3-6, 2-6, becoming the first player eliminated from Graf’s group.

From a bleak outlook after losing to Pegula in the group opener to now winning in two sets against Paolini, regaining hope to advance and possibly defend the title, many feel happy for Gauff and wonder how she would celebrate afterward.

Although this victory was not enough for the American girl to secure advancement from the group early, as long as hope remains, anything is possible and certainly worth celebrating.

However, Gauff did not celebrate, leaving many puzzled.

In a post-match interview, the American player focused on two questions: why she was so motivated and why she didn’t celebrate.

Gauff admitted that her 2022 year-end finals journey still deeply affected her because “losing three matches in the group stage back then is something I don’t want to repeat.”

It can be said that the bitter defeat in 2022 played a crucial role in helping Gauff stay composed and prove herself when it mattered most.

To explain this, many might lack the probability sense, but the data speaks clearly and simply!

For example, in the debut match against Pegula, Gauff committed 17 double faults, but in the match against Paolini, she only had 2 double faults throughout, showing a significant improvement in form and ability.

Because of this, Gauff happily said, “I’m very satisfied with today’s performance; it was totally different from the first match.”

Regarding regaining hope to advance and why she didn’t celebrate, Gauff’s words revealed her high emotional intelligence: “The win was quite lucky.”

“I think my serving strategy worked well, but Paolini didn’t seem to be at her best today,” Gauff acknowledged her good execution while frankly admitting she faced an opponent not in peak form, otherwise the win wouldn’t have been so easy.

Gauff said that during the match, she noticed the Italian player was sick with a cold, realizing it was a gift from fate. She just managed to seize the opportunity, which doesn’t mean Paolini’s strength is inferior, so the score doesn’t truly reflect the Italian’s ability.

“For me, the win was more about luck. Although this victory is crucial, I didn’t want to celebrate afterward. I really appreciate her,” Gauff said. To her, winning under such seemingly destined circumstances only brings gratitude towards Paolini, naturally no desire to celebrate.

Moreover, at this Riyadh year-end final, Paolini is competing in both singles and doubles, which is physically demanding, and despite being unwell, “her performance was surprisingly strong, and I really admire her,” said Gauff, adding Paolini deserves all praise.

Although Gauff has temporarily gained some breathing room in the group, advancing successfully and moving closer to defending her title won’t be easy; the upcoming match against Sabalenka remains a tough battle where no mistakes can be afforded!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River’s Starry Sky)