Within two days Coco Gauff’s Australian Open journey have gone from one extreme to the other.
On Friday she stunned the women’s draw by knocking out defending champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets at the age of 15. Becoming the youngest player to defeat a defending champion in the Open Era at the tournament. Once again Cocomania erupted on the tour with many praising her as the next big thing in the sport. However, the fairytale run has come to an abrupt halt.
Returning to the court on Sunday, the teenage sensation was unable to maintain a one-set advantage as she crashed out 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-0, to Sofia Kenin. Another American rising star who won a trio of WTA titles last year. It perhaps wasn’t the best performance for Gauff, who exit the match shedding tears in the immediate aftermath.
“I was disappointed that I lost obviously. But I don’t really think anything of Naomi or my previous matches had anything to do. I think naturally when I lose, I’m just a bit emotional.” Said Gauff.
Amid the disappointment, Gauff is certainly heading in the right direction to become one of the world’s best. Following her latest win in Melbourne, her resume now includes being the youngest player to defeat a top five opponent since 1991 and the first American woman in 30 years to reach the third round (or better) of her first three grand slam tournaments.
Gauff herself believes she is rapidly improving on the tour. Especially when it comes to her fighting spirit on the court. Illustrated best by her win over Sorana Cirstea earlier this week when she came back from a set down.
“That I’m capable of coming back. I know my second round I was down.” She reflected.
“Also I think I just improved since Auckland (ASB Classic) to now, even though it was a short amount of time, just a week. I honestly feel like I improved a lot in that week.’
“With more training, I’m sure I’ll do better.”
It is that determination which the world No.67 aims to continue for the rest of the season. Due to her age, Gauff’s schedule is impacted by the WTA’s age eligibility rule. Which limits how many tournaments young players are allowed to play in order to prevent early burnout. It is commonly known as the Jennifer Capriati rule, who shot to fame at such a young age.
With prestigious events in Indian Wells and Miami on Gauff’s mind, she is also dreaming of making her Olympic debut later this year. A tough ask for the teenager. Not only is she limited to how many tournaments she can play, the American is yet to contest a Fed Cup tie. A key requirement for Olympic qualification. Although it is plausible that a counter argument could be presented regarding her age if her team wanted to make an appeal to the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
“That’s definitely the goal. Hopefully I can get my ranking up and qualify. I’m sure the cutoff is the French Open. I’m pretty sure I only have like three tournaments before French Open.” she said.
“It will be difficult. But I’m going to try as hard as possible. I definitely do want to play in the Olympics. Yeah, I mean, it would be pretty cool.”
The Olympic tennis competition will take place between July 25th – August 2nd in Tokyo, Japan.
