WTA Rome: Coco Gauff - A milestone with consequences?
Coco Gauff has reached her first WTA 1000 semi-final in Rome. A milestone in many ways.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: May 16, 2021, 09:27 am
From the moment the world number one, Ash Barty, had to give up in her duel with the sensational quarter-finalist Coco Gauff, it was clear that the Americans would be among the top 30 tennis players in the world for the first time on Monday. A milestone in the still young career of the 17-year-olds.
The youngster sees himself confirmed by the results in the positive development that the American observed in herself: "With every day that goes by, I feel more confident in my game and I realize that all decisions are better. Gaining experience allows me to do all things better, " said Gauff on the sidelines of the WTA 1000 event.
Gauff on the way to Olympia?
The successes of the now world number 29. came primarily because of a new confidence that the 17-year-old has in her game: "Months ago I had the feeling that I was making the wrong decisions, now I don't doubt the choice of my strokes," said Gauff, who also expressed her delight highlights in sport as an important factor. "When I have difficult games, I sometimes stop and find myself having fun."
A joy that could meanwhile suffer from her rise in the world rankings, as Gauff explains: "I have the feeling that I should take advantage of that because I may feel more pressure in the future and I won't be able to have as much fun in the competitions . "
The 17-year-old could feel pressure in a completely different way. With the points from Rome, Gauff now has a reasonably good chance of qualifying for the Olympic Games. A total of four starting places are available, Sofia Kenin and Serena Williams have their place fairly fixed, and Jennifer Brady should also no longer be able to take her ticket. Behind them Madison Keys (WTA-24.), Alison Riske (WTA-27.), Jessica Pegula (WTA-28.) And Cori Gauff are fighting for last place.