Coco Gauff: Rising Star in Tennis
Coco Gauff, the promising American tennis star, has transitioned from being the youngest face in the WTA Tour to competing against fresh talent like 18-year-old Victoria Mboko. Now in her seventh year on the professional circuit at just 21 years old, Gauff has a wealth of experience but finds herself increasingly challenged by the younger generation of players.
Recent Upset at the Canadian Open
At the recent Canadian Open, Gauff faced Mboko, who pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating the two-time Grand Slam champion in straight sets, with a score of 6-1, 6-4. This win marked a significant milestone for Mboko as she reached her first WTA 1000 quarter-final and is on the cusp of entering the Top 50 rankings.
Gauff’s Performance and Reflections
For Gauff, the tournament was less than ideal. She faced difficulties with her serve, committing an alarming total of 43 double faults during her matches in Canada. Reflecting on her performance, she acknowledged,
“I felt like in practice I was playing well the last few weeks… But you know, it’s the first tournament on the hard court season, so I’m hoping that in Cincy and in New York I can find that rhythm.”
Comparisons and Future Outlook
As the former prodigy, Gauff’s status has led to comparisons with other rising stars, including Mboko. However, she emphasized the uniqueness of each player, stating,
“No, she’s a completely different player, completely different person. I’ve never been one to compare myself to others, and I don’t think it’s fair to put that on her as well. But I do see someone who is going to have a really bright future, for sure.”
Gauff praised Mboko’s athleticism and positivity on the court, underscoring the importance of a solid support network for young athletes. Despite the competitive nature of their encounter, Gauff expressed a desire for future matchups, sharing,
“Yeah, hopefully we have many more battles, and I look forward to playing her again in the future.”
After their match, Gauff shared limited words with Mboko but conveyed her good wishes.
“I just said, Good playing and good luck in the next round,”
she recounted, downplaying expectations that she might offer advice akin to a mentor. Instead, she recognizes that Mboko already possesses the right mindset for competition.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Gauff is set to continue in Cincinnati, aiming to improve her performance and solidify her standing as the World No. 2, particularly with the looming threat from Iga Swiatek, who is in contention to surpass her ranking following the Canadian Open.
