Coco Gauff has message for ‘idol’ Serena Williams ahead of very special moment
© Getty Images Sport – Francois Nel
Coco Gauff is preparing for one of the most special moments of her career and the 20-year-old used that opportunity to pay a very nice tribute to her idol Serena Williams.
If Gauff doesn’t experience a brutal fate like was the case three years, she will get to fulfill her childhood dream of playing at the Olympics. In 2021, everything was ready for Gauff to be an Olympian at the age of 17 but then a positive COVID test ruined everything.
EDITOR’S PICKS
BREAKING: Rafael Nadal makes expected decision after reaching Bastad final
BREAKING: Rafael Nadal makes expected decision after reaching Bastad final
1 day ago
Casper Ruud hits out at tennis authorities after controversial Alexander Zverev call
Casper Ruud hits out at tennis authorities after controversial Alexander Zverev call
1 day ago
Rafael Nadal is putting his body at risk
Rafael Nadal is putting his body at risk
1 day ago
While it was one of the most heartbreaking and devastating moments of Gauff’s career, she has since managed to achieve great things in the game and make the last couple of years a very successful period. And ahead of her Olympic debut – where the top-ranked American female tennis player is hoping for a medal – the 20-year-old penned a letter to her 17-year-old-self, in which she reflected on her past couple of years and that includes forming a friendship with one of the greatest players ever.
“While tennis is an individual sport, you relish the relationships with your teammates. You’ve been lucky enough that your on-court relationships have turned into off-court friendships. One of those notable friendships is with your idol, Serena Williams,” Gauff’s letter posted on the NBC Olympic reads.
“Serena was once just a stranger printed on a poster hanging in your room, and now you still can’t believe she’s a friend and mentor. Her profound impact on tennis, what it means to be a champion and to break barriers is a legacy you hope to uphold and carry with you into your first Olympic Games.”
Serena Williams
Serena Williams© Getty Images Sport – Matthew Stockman
Gauff has a clear goal in her mind
Throughout this year, world No. 2 Gauff has repeated several times that winning a medal at the Paris Olympics is one of her biggest goals and targets for this year. And since the 2023 US Open champion has been one of the best and most consistent players over the last year, there is no doubt that she will be a favorite at the Paris Olympics and also one of the strongest contenders for a medal.
But that won’t be Gauff’s lone chance at a medal since she is also set to play in the women’s doubles event with Jessica Pegula. While they don’t play doubles regularly, they have been one of the best top teams when they share the same side of the net. That makes Gauff and Pegula one of the top contenders for a medal.
While nothing is confirmed, there are also indications that the 20-year-old American will play in the mixed doubles event.
“In your phone under your vision notes, you wrote that you want to win a medal at the Olympics. Gold, silver, bronze – it doesn’t matter. But you’ve already won, you’ve made your childhood dream of playing at the Olympics, representing the United States, a real reality. And now, finally, you get to enjoy it,” Gauff shared in the latter.
Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Gauff wants a medal but doesn’t want to explode under expectations
Gauff’s remarks have made it perfectly clear that she wants to leave Paris with at least one medal in at least one competition. But she is also aware that putting massive expectations and pressure on herself to achieve that goal could backfire and have a very negative impact.
With that being said, the current world No. 2 suggests that “trying to minimize the moment” could be the best thing to do.
“I’ve grown up a lot so now I’m just taking in the moments and being grateful for every day I get to step on the court, and every day that I get to be alive in general. I could probably go into it making it a big deal – which it is a big deal – but I think I play my best tennis when I try to minimize the moment as much as possible, so I’m just going to enjoy it;” Gauff said in an interview with the WTA.
“I think it’s one of those things that win or lose, it will always be a positive experience for me – even if I could experience the biggest disappointment there, I still got to compete at an Olympics. So I’m just going to try and enjoy it.”
Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff© Getty Images Sport – Sean M. Haffey
At Roland Garros, Gauff finished as singles runner-up in 2022 while she was a semifinalist this year. When it comes to doubles, Gauff won this year’s title with Katerina Siniakova and was also a finalist in 2022 with Pegula.
Nothing is certain but Roland Garros has been a happy hunting place for Gauff so far and she will certainly hope that continues next week.
Coco GauffSerena Williams
SHARE
PrivacyLegalAdvertisingContact usAbout usStaff
We use cookies and other data collection technologies to provide the best experience for our customers. You may request that your data not be shared with third parties here: Do Not Sell My Data
Site build with: World CMS 3.0
© 2024 All Rights Reserved – Coppini Trading (Pty) LTD
X
