Cori Gauff, on her biggest weakness: “It’s clearly the game plan against me. Players keep attacking it, and you just get used to it.”

After securing a spot in the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 Indian Wells with a win over Maria Sakkari (7-6, 6-2), Coco Gauff is finding confidence again following a disastrous Middle Eastern swing, where she suffered two first-round exits in Dubai and Doha.

During her post-match press conference, the American was asked about her forehand, widely considered her weakest shot, especially since she has been making a conscious effort to play more aggressively in recent months.

“It’s clearly the game plan against me, and I’d say that since the end of last year, I’ve been playing more aggressively on that side. So I think players aren’t as comfortable targeting it. If I get a neutral ball, especially on that side, I try to go for it. That’s kind of the goal. Especially on these slow courts, they have to hit a really good shot to stop me from being at least somewhat aggressive. I’ve worked on it, and that was part of today’s game plan. Players keep attacking it, and you just get used to it. I feel like whenever I get a neutral ball or one I can move into, I go for it.”