Coco Gauff reveals ‘tennis goals’ after leaving teenage years behind
Coco Gauff has won her first match as a 20-year-old, with the US Open champion revealing some of her goals for the next decade.
Gauff beat Elise Mertens, 6-0 6-2, on her 20th birthday to reach the Indian Wells quarter-finals for a second consecutive year.
And the American described it as her best match so far, “I played really well. I feel really good. My best match of the tournament so far and I’m so happy to win on my birthday. I feel like I’m close to my best level and when I’m playing like that it’s hard to beat me.”
When speaking to Tennis Channel, Gauff was asked about some of her upcoming goals for her twenties, to which she answered, “Tennis goals, definitely to win some more Slams, and I want to medal at this Olympics or 2028. That would be cool.”
Despite the celebrations, Gauff admitted that she doesn’t tend to treat herself, “I haven’t gotten anything for myself. I always forget, to be honest. I always say I’m going to get myself something.
“I still haven’t gotten myself anything from US Open! I always say I’m going to buy myself and I just forget. I do have gifts in my hotel room that have to be opened today.”
"It's good!" – @CocoGauff
The birthday girl approves of her cake. ???????? pic.twitter.com/nMYDzZ3ffR
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 13, 2024
Gauff will look to reach the Indian Wells semi-finals for the first time later today when she plays Yue Yuan, with her Chinese opponent currently on a nine-match winning streak.
Inside the baseline…
It was a very impressive victory for Coco Gauff against the usually tricky Elise Mertens, especially considering that the American had struggled in her previous matches at Indian Wells this year. It is crazy that Gauff is no longer a teenager, as she first arrived on the tour as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019. However, in some ways it is not a surprise, as Gauff speaks and carries herself way beyond her years. In terms of Gauff’s goals, it would be shocking if she does not win any more major titles and medalling at the Olympics is a real possibility this year.
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