Before her quarter-final success at the French Open versus Grand Slam-winner Sloane Stephens on Monday afternoon, it seemed as if the 18-year-old had an energy switch that she could turn on and off at will. Outside the tennis courts, it tends to switch to energy-saving mode. With impressive performances physically, playfully and mentally, the American has made her mark in her first Grand Slam– Promoted to semi-finals. She also presents herself as surprisingly hardened away from the tennis stadiums.
Wimbledon 2019: Even Obama reported on Gauff’s sensation
In 2019 she was nothing more than a promise of a better American tennis future, known only to insiders as a great talent. Then the number 273 in the world at the time, as the youngest qualifier in the history of the tournament, first earned a place in the main draw and then produced greats like Venus Williams away. Only Simona Halep stopped her at the beginning of the second week. MichelleObama tweetWe were talking about “Coco” at the time and suddenly the expectations of the girl, who, thanks to very early fitness training, was physically much further than talented people of the same age, increased. She was 15 then.
Since then has Gauff two WTA-Tournaments won and already more than three million U.S– Earned dollars in prize money. Mind you: Gauff (Born 2004) could im Stade de Roland Garros still start in the junior competition. Also because of this exposed position, she has been by the for several years management-Agency marketed by Roger Federer.
After the success against compatriot Stephens he said teenager still on the court: “Last year I was too focused on meeting the expectations of others. No matter how good or bad my career is going, I’m good enough as a person.” The results in her job or how much money they earn, they are not allowed to define as a person.
Gauff already takes care of the family alone
Mature words from a young woman who has been supporting her family’s income for the past three years since her breakthrough on the WTA Tour. The parents gave up their restaurants. Does that mean additional pressure for the 18-year-old? At least she doesn’t give a damn about it on the outside. Above Instagram she posed in front of the French Open at the Eiffel Tower. In her hands she held hers high school– Graduation and at least exuded some normality.
Scores in the semifinals in Paris Gauff on the surprise semi-finalist from Italy – Martina Trevisian, a player who feels particularly comfortable on the red clay. Gauff goes in as the clear favourite match. Critics who claim that the stress of singles and doubles is too much for a top player countered Gauff like this: “I’m physically at 100 percent. I put so much work into the preparation between the years. I’ve never had an endurance problem in the past. If I didn’t feel like I could give it my all in both competitions, then I wouldn’t play.”
She competed in her doubles quarterfinals alongside compatriot Jessica Pegula and reached the last four there as well. The own power switch was switched on again. You can then switch back to economy mode.