LINZ, Austria, Oct 14, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Coco Gauff hailed Roger Federer for
his words of wisdom as the 15-year-old US prodigy on Sunday became the
youngest champion on the WTA Tour since 2004.
Gauff defeated 2017 Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 in
the Linz final for her maiden title.
The teenager is managed by Federer’s Team8 and even shares an Italian pasta
sponsor with the 20-time major winner.
On Sunday, she revealed that a pep-talk by the Swiss superstar, after she
suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the first round of the 2018 Australian
Open junior event, has helped her on a path which this year saw her reach the
last 16 at Wimbledon and US Open third round.
“He did give me some advice at the Australian Open in 2018 when I lost in
the first round (after being amongst the favourites),” Gauff recalled.
“He told me not to focus too much on the pressure or the outside drama. He
gave me some perspective.
“Now, I try to enjoy the tennis and I barely think of that fist-round loss
two years later.” Gauff, meanwhile, confirmed she is “100 percent” ready to
play at this week’s Luxembourg WTA event where she will enjoy a career-high
ranking inside the top 70.
She started the week in Linz at 110 in the world and was originally set for
an early departure from Austria after losing in the qualifying rounds before
grabbing a lifeline as a lucky loser.
“For sure, I’m 100 percent playing in Luxembourg,” said Gauff whose rise
has been meteoric — at the end of 2018, she was 686 in the world.
“I’m excited, it will be my last event for the year. I’m playing doubles
there also (with regular partner Caty McNally).
“This is the opportunity to see how I perform at back-to-back tournaments.”
Gauff’s career timetable has suddenly shifted into overdrive, with her
breakthrough WTA trophy coming much more quickly than might have been
expected.
“My goal was the top 100 and to get into the main draw of at least one
Grand Slam,” said the player, who has now earned a main draw spot for
January’s Australian Open.
“I’ve accomplished all of those goals this year, now I need to work on
improving my game.
“I’ve gone through what was supposed to be my timeline for the next two
years. It’s been crazy.”
“I didn’t expect to be on the Tour in general right now,” the 2018 French
Open junior champion said.
Gauff, coached by her father, said she expects to start gaining confidence
as she gets more accustomed to the WTA circuit.
“I’m new to the Tour and I’ve not faced a lot of the players. I’m sure the
more matches I play the more confident I’ll get, along with the more
experience I’ll have.”