Gauff vs Tomljanovic Odds
| Gauff Odds | -3000 |
| Tomljanovic Odds | +1200 |
| Over/Under | 17.5 (-116 / -116) |
| Time | How to Watch | Sunday, 1 p.m. ET | Peacock |
| Odds via DraftKings. For tips on how to watch tennis, click here. | |
Coco Gauff is coming into the Olympics off of a shocking 4-6, 3-6 defeat to Emma Navarro in the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.
In her first match back on the clay, Gauff will face Ajla Tomljanovic, who last played in Palermo (clay), falling 4-6, 6-3, 1-6 in a match in which the Aussie's eyes were firmly set on Paris.
Read on for my full Coco Gauff vs Ajla Tomljanovic pick ahead of this first-round Olympic matchup.
Gauff Looks to Steady the Ship
After a stunning loss at Wimbledon, an event in which the draw had opened up for her, Gauff is surely happy to get back onto the clay, a surface that suits her game.
The 20-year-old is 59-25 on clay for her career and 12-4 this season, including a semifinal run at Roland Garros (the same site as the Olympics).
Gauff's game suits the clay well. She's incredibly athletic and quick around the court. She defense and neutralizes points effectively and can also counterpunch at a high level.
This year's French Open doubles champion is also strong at the net and hits crisp volleys.
However, the American's biggest strengths are her first serve and backhand. Gauff is sixth in first-serve points won in 2024 at 71.9%. Gauff can dictate very effectively from her backhand wing and take the racquet out of her opponents' hands.
With that said, there are a couple major flaws in Gauff's game. Her forehand leaks plenty of short balls and unforced errors, which Navarro exploited successfully in London. Navarro continued to send balls to Gauff's forehand, which led to panicked, erratic play from the 20-year-old.
There are a couple other things to keep in mind with Gauff. First, this is her first match on clay since the French Open. Gauff could come out a bit rusty and off of her game as the switch from grass (Wimbledon) to clay isn't easy.
Also, Gauff had the honor of being a flag bearer for the United States at the opening ceremonies. She might not be completely locked into this match, especially having played doubles the day prior. There's a lot going on for Gauff, along with added pressure to perform at a high level.
Tomljanovic Tries to Play Spoiler
While Tomljanovic lost to Sharma, a match in which she seemed mentally disengaged, it is worth noting that the Aussie beat a tough clay courter in Maiar Sherif the match before in Palermo.
Tomljanovic is just 2-3 in 2024 on clay, but has a strong 125-84 professional record on the surface.
Tomljanovic has a fairly big serve that can get her ahead in her service games. She follows up that serve with a heavy, powerful forehand that she uses to dictate baseline play. She also places the ball effectively from that wing.
Tomljanovic can play offense with her backhand, although with less consistency than her forehand. The 31-year-old isn't the best mover and certainly doesn't cover the court as successfully as Gauff.
However, the Aussie's power game masks her limitations with movement and, when she's in form, she is able to maintain her rally tolerance. With the importance of the Olympics, don't expect Tomljanovic to bail out of rallies easily.
And, having competed at the Olympics in Tokyo, the veteran has experience at this level.
Gauff vs. Tomljanovic Pick
Gauff is the deserved favorite and typically romps in early round matches of big events. However, there are several concerns here.
First, unlike Tomljanovic, Gauff has never competed at the Olympics. Additionally, the 20-year-old was a flag bearer, which increased both the pressure and distractions.
The Aussie, having played on the clay of Palermo, should be better suited and less rusty on the dirt.
There are also legitimate concerns about scar tissue regarding Gauff's forehand from that Navarro match. She seemed uncomfortable hitting forehands in that match (along with many others) and was a mess from that wing.
Tomljanovic, with her power and rally tolerance, can hang in points until she can successfully target, and rush, Gauff's forehand.
