Coco Gauff is set to make a triumphant return to the courts! After taking a much-deserved break following an intense Wimbledon fortnight, the American tennis sensation is gearing up for an exciting comeback. With the Summer Olympics just around the corner, set to begin in Paris in a week, Gauff is pumped up and ready to showcase her talent on the world stage once again. Despite the concerns, Gauff is determined to compete in both singles and doubles.
The 20-year-old will be appearing in the Olympic games for the first time in her career. While she was equally geared up for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, an unexpected diagnosis of COVID-19 shattered her dreams. But, this has not stopped her from expressing her confidence and staying motivated this year, as she wants to make complete use of her physical fitness.
In a recent interview with Forbes, Gauff was quizzed if her decision to play in singles and doubles was supported by her family and team. Responding to this, the American star said, “Actually everyone around me was like was on board with it because like I am physically I know I could handle it.” Indeed! Gauff has participated constantly in doubles in all the tournaments that she has played since May. Besides, she was the runner in the Italian Open and the doubles winner at the French Open this year. However, she did not fail to acknowledge the mental challenges that come with numerous commitments.
Speaking further to Jabari Young, Gauff said, “ A lot of times mentally being on the side all the time can be like tiring.” But people around her have been extremely supportive of her decisions. “I was like I mean I am young now but I know eventually I am not going to be able to play doubles and singles. I want to take advantage of it, you know, while I am healthy and feeling great.”
While the reigning US Open champion’s latest run in the doubles category advanced only till the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, she is poised to take over all that comes along with her long-time partner Jessica Pegula at the Olympics. And Gauff’s desire for the Olympics is not new.
In an interaction during the Canadian Open, she revealed that she wishes to win a Gold Medal in Paris. “I think it’s one of the things that it doesn’t matter what event it’s in. A gold medal is a gold medal.” The Team USA captain, meanwhile, is anticipated to prove something unique.
22-time major winner believes in Coco Gauff’s skills ahead of Olympics
As Gauff prepares to participate in her maiden Olympics campaign, anticipations are at an all-time high. Joining the fray of supporters is a former American tennis player Mike Bryan who believes that Gauff has got something to prove at the grand stage.
Speaking in an interview with Tennis 365, Bryan said, “She’s going to be good on the clay, I think that’s maybe one of her favorite surfaces, so I think she’s got something to prove.” Continuing further, he highlighted Gauff’s patriotic spirit. “I think she loves playing for her country and she’ll put in a really good performance. I think she’s playing mixed doubles, doubles, and singles, so she’s got a lot of options to do well…”
The stakes are definitely high for the 20-year-old. She lifted her first doubles title in a Grand Slam on the same clay courts of Roland Garros where the Olympics will be held. It will be interesting to see if her sensational run continues and if she adds an Olympic medal to her name.
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