Status: 06/01/2022 10:23 p.m
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18-year-old Cori “Coco” Gauff has matured before the eyes of the world public since her sensational run into the round of 16 at Wimbledon three years ago. Before her first Grand Slam semi-final in Paris on Thursday (June 2nd, 2022), she looks more mature than some seasoned professionals.
By Jannik Schneider (Paris)
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Completely withdrawn and without moving an expression, Cori “Coco” Gauff trotted behind her Argentinian coach to the exit area of the sealed off Jean Bouin training center. When a handful of fans asked her for commemorative photos together, the Delray Beach teen immediately switched gears. Full of energy and with a big grin, she approaches her admirers and fulfills all wishes. When she turns to the shuttle service, the emotions seem to disappear again.
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Before her quarter-final success at the French Open against 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 physically, playfully and mentally impressive performances, the American has promoted to her first Grand Slam semi-final. 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 finished off greats like Venus Williams, among others. Only Simona Halep stopped her at the beginning of the second week. Michelle Obama tweeted about “Coco” at the time and suddenly the expectations of the girl, who was physically much further than talented people of the same age thanks to very early fitness training, increased. She was 15 then.
Since then, Gauff has won two WTA tournaments and already earned more than $3 million in prize money. Mind you: Gauff (born 2004) could still start in the junior competition at the Stade de Roland Garros. Also because of this exposed position, it has been marketed by Roger Federer’s management agency for several years.
After the win against compatriot Stephens, the teenager said on the court: “Last year I was too focused on meeting the expectations of others. No matter how good or bad my career is, I’m good enough as a person.” The results in her job or how much money she earns should not define her 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. She posed on Instagram before the French Open at the Eiffel Tower. In her hands she held her high school diploma and exuded at least some normality.
In the semi-finals in Paris, Gauff meets the surprise semi-finalist from Italy – Martina Trevisian, a player who feels particularly comfortable on the red ash. Gauff goes into the match as the clear favorite. Critics who claim that the stress of singles and doubles is too much for a top player countered Gauff: “Physically I’m 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 be playing.”
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.
Those: sportschau.de
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