WIMBLEDON: Cory Gauff has insisted that her priority in the immediate future on to build on her game following her exit from Wimbledon on Monday.
The fairytale run of the teenager was ended in the fourth round by former world No.1 Simona Halep, who prevailed in straight sets. Gauff is the youngest player in Wimbledon history to have ever come through qualifying. In the main draw, she scored wins over Venus Williams, Magdalena Rabrikova and Polona Hercog.
“I learned a lot. I learned how to play in front of a big crowd. I learned what it was like to be under pressure. I learned a lot and I’m really thankful for this experience.” The American reflected about her run at the grand slam.
Gauff’s rise in the world of women’s tennis has placed the spotlight on the WTA and their policy. Nicknamed the Capriati rule, young players are only allowed to play a certain number of tournaments in order to prevent burnout. Under the Age Eligibility Rule Gauff is allowed to play a maximum of 10 tournaments between her 15th and 16th birthdays. Plus one of the two year-end tournaments if she qualifies and the Fed Cup.
It is understood that officials are now looking into potentially making changes to the age policy. Although nothing is set in stone. 20-time grand slam champion Federer has previously said he was in favor of a revamp. Gauff is a member of Team8, which is a management company partly founded by Federer.
“I understand the rule completely that they want the young players not to play too much. I’ve told the WTA they should loosen up the rules.” He said last week.
“I loved seeing (Martina) Hingis doing what she did at a young age.’
“I think it would be nice if they could play more.”
Gauff, who will be finishing high school in two weeks time, has voiced her support for a potential review. Saying that she would like to be given the opportunity to play more matches on the WTA Tour at her age. As it currently stands, she can only play seven more tournaments until she turns 16 next March.
“I definitely understand why the rules are there. It’s definitely to protect the player. But obviously, I will want to play more. We’ll see. I heard the rule is under review, so we’ll see what happens there.”
The question is what would Gauff do is there was no rule in place? When asked directly, she ruled out wanting to turn full-time at present. Although Halep believes she has the ability to crack the top 10 ‘soon.’
“I still think I wouldn’t play, like, as much as players do, the older players do, just because I’m still trying to develop my game and I’m still trying to train,” Gauff explained.
“I feel like I would obviously play more than the rules state, but I think I wouldn’t try to overdo it because I’m still 15. My game isn’t nearly as good as I want it to be. Taking more time to train.”
Besides leaving Wimbledon with £176,000, the rising star will also rocket up the WTA rankings. She is projected to be elevated into the top 150. Her plans over the coming months are to play in a couple of events during the US Open series. Asked what her aim was in her next tournament, she gave a direct answer.
“My next goal would be to win the next tournament I play. I don’t know what the next tournament will be.” She replied.
“We’ll see what happens.”
As the tennis world waits to see what is next for Gauff, the WTA is facing pressure to change the ways. The question is will they?
