Tennis Community Highlights Rising Stars
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — While many in the tennis community are focusing on the rising stars in the sport, Coco Gauff is eager to remind them that, at 21 years of age, she still shares a lot in common with the younger players making strides at the Australian Open. Notably, 18-year-old Iva Jovic is set to square off against the world’s top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka, in the quarterfinals after the latter secured her place by defeating 19-year-old Vicky Mboko in the fourth round on Sunday.
Gauff’s Journey and Perspective
Gauff, who herself broke onto the professional scene at just 15, has had to navigate perceptions that make her feel older than she is.
“It seems people want to view me as a mentor to these younger players,”
Gauff remarked, adding with a smile that she is still very much one of them, engaged in an age group that creates camaraderie rather than detachment.
With five years on the professional tour and two Grand Slam titles under her belt, Gauff has reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open three years in a row. She achieved that milestone again on Sunday, defeating No. 19 seed Karolina Muchova 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, marking another step in her impressive career that includes a maiden Grand Slam title win at last year’s U.S. Open.
Teenage Talents Shine
On a day featuring multiple teenagers in action, Jovic was the standout, advancing convincingly against Yulia Putintseva with a score of 6-0, 6-1. In contrast, Mboko pushed Sabalenka in a close second set but ultimately lost 6-1, 7-6 (1). Meanwhile, 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva was eliminated by Elina Svitolina, who is celebrating her 14th Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance.
Fostering Camaraderie
As a veteran presence among her peers, Gauff often extends a warm greeting to newcomers, aiming to foster a spirit of belonging in a sport that can often feel isolating. Reflecting on her own transitions from junior competitions to professional play, Gauff advocates for simple gestures of goodwill, noting,
“Just saying hi or wishing someone good luck helps build friendships.”
Specifically admiring Jovic, who is competing in only her sixth Grand Slam—where she has now surpassed her previous best showing—Gauff expressed a protective affection for younger talent.
“She reminds me of my little brother,”
Gauff said, while emphasizing that Jovic, possessing a mature mindset, does not require much guidance.
Looking Ahead
For Gauff, the recent shifts in the competitive landscape, where more players her age are finding success, contribute to her happiness on tour, even amidst ups and downs in her personal performance.
“These past two years have been some of my best on the tour—not just because of results, but due to the supportive presence of peers in the locker room,”
she noted, contrasting her early experiences of loneliness with the current camaraderie.
As for Jovic, after expressing her intention to challenge Sabalenka, she remains optimistic about her future aspirations in the sport, saying,
“Performing well in Grand Slams boosts my confidence, affirming my potential at the highest levels of tennis.”
Whether through mutual support or exciting matches ahead, both Gauff and Jovic represent a bright future for women’s tennis, with Gauff serving as a bridge between established stars and the upcoming generation.
