Coco Gauff says having to deal with high expectations at a young age has helped her prepare for a surge of interest that will come following her US Open triumph.
The 19-year-old battled back from a set down to defeat Aryna Sabalenka in the final on Saturday to become the first American teenager to win the title since Serena Williams in 1999. It is the first time in Gauff’s career she has won a major title after settling for runner-up at the French Open last year. She is only the second female player over the past 20 years to win a US Open final after dropping the opener.
Gauff has been deemed a future star of the game since her teenage years. At the age of 15, she rose to the limelight after reaching the fourth round of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships before breaking into the top 100 later that same season. Overall, she has won six WTA trophies so far in her career with four of those triumphs taking place this year.
“I feel like this is a big achievement, but honestly, I feel like I’ve been so used to this since I was basically 15 years old in high school,” Gauff replied when asked if she was ready for the surge in media attention following her US Open win.
“I’m sure it might be a much bigger scale now because of this achievement, but I’m ready. I know how to keep my peace but also embrace all of this around me.”
Now she has her maiden Grand Slam trophy, the American said it has only added fuel to her fire. Speaking on court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Gauff said part of her motivation has been driven by those who have cast doubts on her ability in the game.
“I think the pressure has been a little bit taken off a little bit, and I still am hungry for more,” she stated. “I’m just going to enjoy this and try not to look into the future.”
The youngster is currently coached on the Tour by Pere Riba and recently appointed Brad Gilbert to her team as a consultant over the summer. Both of whom have been credited for helping the development of her games in recent weeks.
Another pivotal factor in Gauff’s latest triumph has been her previous experience in the sport. She was crushed in her first major final at the 2023 French Open by Iga Swiatek, who won 6-1, 6-3.
“This year’s French Open was where it changed. I felt pressure to back up the final, and I didn’t. So I was, like, Okay, I’ve got to reset,” she reflected.
“Then Wimbledon happened and that was a tough loss because I thought I was playing good tennis leading up to that.’
“I have just been embracing every positive and negative thing that’s said about me. I realize sometimes people have different personalities and some people need to shut off the comments and not look at them. But I’m an argumentative person. I’m very stubborn.”
It isn’t just the singles where Gauff is excelling. On Monday she will become the new world No.1 in doubles alongside compatriot Jessica Pegula. A position she also held last August. The duo have reached the final of four WTA 1000 events so far this year.
Gauff is one of only four WTA players in the Open Era to have won a Grand Slam as a teenager whilst representing America. The other three to do so are Tracey Austin, Serena Williams and Chris Evert.
She will rise to a singles ranking high of No.3 on Monday.
