Coco credits Federer for breakthrough year
LINZ, Austria — Coco Gauff hailed Roger Federer for his words of wisdom as the 15-year-old US prodigy on Sunday became the youngest champion on the WTA Tour since 2004.
Gauff defeated 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 in the Linz final for her first title.
The teenager is managed by Federer’s Team8 and even shares an Italian pasta sponsor with the 20-time major winner.
On Sunday, she revealed that a pep talk by the Swiss superstar, after she suffered a heartbreaking loss in the first round of the 2018 Australian Open junior event, helped her on a path that this year saw her reach the last 16 at Wimbledon and the third round of the US Open.
“Roger gave me some advice at the Australian Open in 2018 when I lost in the first round,” recalled Gauff, who went on to be crowned French Open junior champion that year.
“He told me not to focus too much on the pressure or the outside drama. He gave me some perspective.
“Now, two years later, I try to enjoy the tennis and I barely think of that first-round loss.”
Gauff, meanwhile, confirmed she is “100 percent” ready to play at this week’s Luxembourg WTA event, where she will enjoy a career-high ranking inside the world’s top 70.
She started the week in Linz at No 110 and was originally set for an early departure after losing in the qualifying rounds before grabbing a lifeline as a lucky loser.
“For sure, I’m 100 percent playing in Luxembourg,” said Gauff, whose rise has been astounding. At the end of last year, she was ranked No 686 in the world.
“I’m excited, it will be my last event for the year. I’m playing doubles there also (with regular partner Caty McNally).
“This is an opportunity for me to see how I perform at back-to-back tournaments.”
Gauff’s career timetable has suddenly shifted into overdrive, with her breakthrough WTA trophy coming much more quickly than might have been expected.
“My goal was to crack the top 100 and to get into the main draw of at least one Grand Slam,” said the 22-year-old American, who has now earned a spot in the main draw for January’s Australian Open.
“I’ve accomplished all of those goals this year, now I need to work on improving my game.
“I’ve gone through what was supposed to be my timeline for the next two years. It’s been crazy. I didn’t expect to be on the tour in general right now.”
Gauff, coached by her father, said she expects to start gaining confidence as she gets more accustomed to the WTA circuit.
“I’m new to the tour and I’ve not faced a lot of the players,” she said. “I’m sure the more matches I play the more confident I’ll get, along with the more experience I’ll have.”