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Cori Gauff - Already ready for the big hit?

Cori Gauff won the WTA 250 tournament in Parma last week - and thus heaved herself into the wider circle of favorites for the French Open that starts on Sunday.

by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: May 24, 2021, 11:42 pm

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Cori Gauff reached the semi-finals in Rome
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Cori Gauff is one of the favorites in Paris

It was not even two years ago when Cori "Coco" Gauff first drew attention to himself at the Grand Slam tournament in Wimbledon. After a first round win over her idol Venus Williams, the then 15-year-old even made it to the round of 16, in which she was ultimately defeated by the eventual winner Simona Halep.

Around 23 months later, Gauff is at least one of the favorites in one of the four Grand Slam tournaments at the French Open for the first time in her career. That this is the case on clay, of all places, should come as a surprise not only for many tennis observers, but also for the American herself.

Gauff feels more and more comfortable on sand

Because the red ash was not necessarily one of Gauff's favorite rubbers in even younger years - despite the triumph in the French Open junior competition three years ago. Meanwhile - Gauff proved that this season with a semi-final in Rome and the tournament victory in Parma - she knows how to use her strengths on clay as well.

"It's not an underground that people associate with me. That's why it feels good," said Gauff after the triumph in Italy. "I like sand now. I've always talked about the fact that I don't like it, but now I like it," said the now 17-year-old. The only thing that she doesn't like is the ashes sticking to her body, says Gauff.

Gauff is bursting with confidence

It can be assumed that the American will not be upset by this in Paris either. Because Gauff is aware of her top form: "I feel really good before the French Open. I hope I can continue to build myself up and improve."

For the first time in her career, Gauff was ranked 25th in the world. be placed in a major tournament. This is another reason why she could already hit the jackpot in the French capital. But first and foremost, Gauff's self-confidence speaks for a good result. "I think I hit well, I move well. My body feels good, mentally and emotionally it fits. So I think it will be a good tournament for me," said the 17-year-old.

by Nikolaus Fink

Tuesday
May 25, 2021, 08:00 am
last edit: May 24, 2021, 11:42 pm