“I never really enjoyed it,” Tauson confessed, “but now I see the parts of it you can train, especially serve and return. Both are important in doubles.
“I’ve let go a little bit and it’s an alternative to practice, getting to play a few matches in between my singles. It’s more fun now for me to play doubles because I have more a purpose with it. Before, I was just playing to see what happens. Now, I’m going in there focused on things I want to practice. We’re seeing a lot more singles players entering the doubles and playing well. Hopefully, me too.”
The plan has paid off so far, but after a 15-4 start to the season, can Tauson, who could get a rematch with Osaka in the second round, replicate her form in the California desert? Before making her big run in Dubai, she spoke of the importance of improving her consistency—but with the caveat that much in tennis can ultimately come down to chance.
“With the miles we travel—we travel all over the world in the span of two weeks—you never know what’s going to happen with your body or your health. I’m trying to keep a big focus there, but it’s sport. Tomorrow, you can play the best match of your life, or you can be injured. Tennis is a crazy sport like that, but that’s also why I love it.”
As one of the few players who can match the likes of Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina in raw ball-striking, a strong Sunshine Swing result from Tauson wouldn’t be crazy at all. Rather, it would be confirmation of her already-immense capabilities.
