Advertising

Perhaps more so than any other sport, tennis is guilty of anointing promising young talents as “the next big thing” much too early. Not so with Coco Gauff. Just one win away from her first quarterfinal appearance at a major, the 17-year-old enters her match with Ons Jabeur as a -177 favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

The American and Tunisian have played three times before, with Gauff winning the first two, but losing their most recent encounter on Charleston’s green clay, 6-3, 6-3. It’s a fascinating matchup, as Gauff’s incredible quickness and defensive ability is the perfect foil to Jabeur’s combination of raw power and finesse. Expect plenty of cat and mouse points—and lots and lots of drop shots.

When she uses it properly, Jabeur owns arguably the tour’s most effective drop shot.

Advertising

But too many times, Jabeur uses her drop shot as a bail-out. This won’t work against Gauff, who one top WTA coach described as "the female version of Gaël Monfils, athletically speaking.”

Drop-shotting Gauff is typically a bad idea.

Advertising

The American has won eight consecutive clay-court matches, and appears extremely focused. When she’s on, Jabeur can be unplayable at times, but in the end, expect Gauff’s speed and steadiness to suffocate the Tunisian’s high-risk, high-reward game.

The Pick: Coco Gauff