In some way 15-year-old Coco Gauff went through two campaigns at this year’s Linz Ladies Open in Austria.
In the qualifying draw, she rallied back from a set down in her opening match to defeat Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova 6-7(10), 6-2, 6-2. However, her run was ended at the next stage by Tamara Korpatsch. Seemingly ending her campaign at the tournament until a stroke of luck came her way.
The withdrawal of Greece’s Maria Sakkari paved way for a vacant lucky loser spot, which was filled in by Gauff. It marked the start of what turned out to be another sensational week for the rising star. Who made headlines earlier this year by reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon in what was her grand slam debut. Coming through the first two rounds, she faced top seed Kiki Bertens in the quarter-finals. A world No.8 who is 12 years older than her. Despite the gap in experience, the American prevailed in straight sets to claim her first ever win over a top 10 player.
“There have been a lot of firsts this week,” Gauff told reporters on Friday. “I’m really happy and proud of how I’m playing.
“Kiki was playing well and there was just a difference of one or two points.
“I’m glad I was able to come out on top. I’ve really gotten a lot of support from the crowd.”
Continuing her momentum with a win over another veteran player in the form of Andrea Petkovic, Gauff faced Jelena Ostapenko in the final on Sunday. A former French Open champion who has experienced a roller coaster season. Gauff’s fairytale run concluded with a happy ending as she outlasted the Latvian 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. Becoming the youngest WTA champion since Nicola Vaidisova back in 2004.
“I’m still overwhelmed and shocked,” the newly crowned Linz champion said of her triumph. “I guess it’s crazy to say it’s my first WTA title. This was definitely not on the calendar at the beginning of the year, because I didn’t think I’d have a chance to get in, and now I’m the champion, so it’s crazy.”
The winning moment ☺️@CocoGauff | #TeamUSATennis pic.twitter.com/0wPDZguBXp
— USTA (@usta) October 13, 2019
There are many impressive aspects to Gauff latest run in the European country. Midway through the tournament she ensured that she would break into the top 100 for the first time on Monday. A goal she set out at the start of the season when she was only ranked 685th.
Despite her young age, the American is already becoming a household name. Signing numerous endorsement deals with brands such as Barilla and New Balance worth thousands. She is currently managed by Team8, which is a management company co-founded by Roger Federer.
“It’s kind of tough now, I guess, because you meet a lot of famous people. I guess you feel nervous and have to kind of portray a different person to them, but I always remind myself that it is ok to be myself.”
Due to her age, Gauff is still restricted as to how many tournaments she is allowed to play. The WTA age rule is used to prevent young players from suffering an early burn out. Inspired by the turbulent journey experienced by Jenifier Capriati as a teenager. Something that frustrates some people in the industry, including Patrick Mouratoglou.
“Age is a number,” Mouratoglou told Sky Sports.
“That is why I don’t like the rule. Some people are immature at 25, some people are mature at 15. I think ‘Coco’ is incredibly mature for her age.”
“She has very high expectations,” he added.
The season isn’t quite over yet for Gauff. She will shortly be travelling to Luxembourg to play her final tournament of 2019. She will play Russian eighth seed Anna Blinkova in her opening match.
