“Two gems minimize from the identical stone”

Coco Gauff took management of her future final yr, when she gained the primary Main of her younger profession on the US Open. The American star additionally began 2024 on the appropriate foot, successful the ASB Traditional in Auckland and reaching the quarterfinals on the Australian Open 2024, the place she’s going to face Marta Kostyuk tomorrow.

Rick Macci revealed a publish on X wherein he shared his admiration for Coco and for the legendary Serena Williams. The previous coach of the 23-time Slam champion stated how Coco and Serena are two gems carved from the identical stone, he additionally praised Gauff’s pace, evaluating her to that of an Olympian.

“Coco Gauff is an Olympic sprinter with a racket in her hand. Serena Williams is an Olympic champion with a racket in her hand. Each are gems minimize from the identical stone.”

@CocoGauff is an Olympic Sprinter with a racquet in her hand. @serenawilliams is an Olympic Champion with a racquet in her hand. Each GEMS minimize from the identical stone.

— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) January 21, 2024

Even earlier than her victory at Flushing Meadows, Coco was extensively thought of Serena Williams’ inheritor. And at the moment that perception has elevated much more. The younger US tennis star can aspire to have a rare profession. Expertise, age, psychological energy, bodily explosiveness: it is all there in her.

And, speaking about Gauff and Serena Williams, Coco responded to media questions concerning an alleged eulogy to the 23-time Slam champion.

“Yeah. After I noticed that publish I texted my agent. I used to be like, I do not bear in mind ever saying that. Then the individual replied or one thing and it was a pretend publish. Their account stated to not take issues significantly. Then I noticed it was pretend. That wasn’t the thought course of behind this. I really like Serena and I believe she has one of the best model on the court docket and off the court docket and the whole lot in between. So yeah, it wasn’t an homage to her, however it was humorous the best way that publish circulated,” she defined.

The legendary Martina Navratilova additionally talked about about Coco. In an interview with Tennis Channel, the 9-time Wimbledon champion revealed how she herself wasn’t as mature as Coco at 19. Navratilova additionally praised Gauff’s means of approaching matches.

“And that is simply big for somebody so younger. I do know I actually wasn’t that mature at 19, so kudos to her and her group. I imply, she’s listener however she nonetheless has to have the ability to do it along with her head and controlling it effectively, unbelievable.

I actually like the best way she takes it one sport at a time. It is an outdated cliché, however it’s the one technique to get there. And so, I do know she’s not wanting ahead as a result of you possibly can see it from the best way she carries herself on the court docket, the best way she performs or is targeted. She simply thinks concerning the subsequent level,” defined Navratilova.

After beating Magdalena Frech, reaching the quarterfinals in Melbourne, Gauff expressed all the enjoyment: “I am tremendous proud of this primary quarter in Melbourne. After stopping twice within the spherical of 16 I am joyful to recover from this step. I hope I can preserve shifting ahead.”

Coco Gauff, glimpses of household and personal life

Beforehand, Gauf answered questions from the media ranging from the music she listens to earlier than taking thecourt.

“Earlier than I’m going on the court docket, I hearken to Jaden Smith’s Icon. I attempt to hearken to some energetic rap music to energise me. Generally I get a little bit nervous earlier than video games, which I have not performed within the final couple of rounds. Music has at all times been a technique to calm my nerves or increase my vitality if I am feeling a little bit drained, or calm my energy.”

Gauff additionally highlighted the change in her mentality and her brother Codey’s affect: “Sure, I believe the most important factor I discuss with Codey is the mentality of the game. Tennis is that sport the place it’s a must to lead your self, not others. Codey advised me: faux it’s a must to win three units as an alternative of two. In the event you put your mindset to the max, then it appears simpler, I assume, in a means.

He advised me this a yr in the past. He at all times caught with me as a result of, for instance, I believe on the French Open I felt like we have been so shut, and I grew to become tense. On the US Open he appeared so removed from the primary level of the match, actually till the top of match level. As a result of although I nonetheless had a sport to win, I used to be like, okay, you’ve gotten an entire different sport to win. I believe tricking your thoughts relaxes the physique as a result of your thoughts controls your physique. It’s a must to trick your thoughts a little bit.”