We treat her, we see her and we analyze her as if she were a veteran, but Coco Gauff is only 19 years old. And that’s why she’s the most captivating player heading into the US Open.
She was just 15 years old when she splashed the world of women’s tennis with her joy, naivety and keen showmanship. Since making a splash on the London turf like a lily at the start of summer, Gauff has never ceased to dazzle us with each new season.
Just over a year ago, the Atlanta native graduated high school. A few months later, she reached the fourth rank in the world, and just before participating for the fifth time in her life at the United States Open, she has just won her fourth and fifth career titles, in Washington and Cincinnati.
No doubt, the sixth player in the world has every chance of considering a first major title under the New York reflectors.
The sequence of tournaments including Washington, Montreal and Cincinnati is preparation for the last Grand Slam tournament of the season. It’s no longer a secret that some players use these events to keep in shape and get used to North American courts and balls.
However, these tournaments are very competitive. And rarely has a U.S. Open winner done a bad job there previously in the North American series.
Before defeating Iga Świątek in the semi-finals of the Cincinnati tournament, Gauff had lost all seven of her matches against the best player in the world.
Before beating María Sákkari in the final of the Washington tournament, she had won only one of five matches against the Greek.
We already knew Gauff to be extremely talented and determined. But if she has also found a way to get the upper hand on some of her pet peeves, she could become unstoppable.
The American’s recent exploits are no stranger to her new association with one of the most highly regarded coaches, fellow American Brad Gilbert.
The 62-year-old Californian is a scholar. A tennis genius. But above all a mentor for some of the greatest players in history. He was the architect of the successes of Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray, among others.
His recipe does not seem to be out of date, as Gauff has won two tournaments since Gilbert joined his entourage.
What’s most fascinating about Gauff is that she’s only 5’9″ tall, which isn’t anything out of the ordinary. She is far from being the envy of giants like Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka or Petra Kvitová.
However, Gauff is imposing. She is so confident, so solid, so proud that you would swear she is huge. Her positioning, her stature and the way she plants her feet in the ground before each strike make her intimidating as can be.
On a court, it takes its rightful place. She is uncompromising, and with her latest results she will be like a bull on the loose in Pamplona.
In addition to being ranked sixth in the world in singles, Gauff is also the sixth racquet in the world in doubles. With her partner Jessica Pegula, she has formed one of the best doubles teams for two years. Together they won five titles and reached two finals.
The good news for Gauff is that Pegula, now in the top three in the world, is also one of the hottest players on the circuit. The 29-year-old American has just won top honors in Montreal.
So, if either one’s road should end before the final, they could at least have the chance to play for the title, but in doubles. That said, why not fight for both crowns?
Twice in the last decade, a player has managed to win a major tournament in singles and doubles. Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2016. Then Barbora Krejčíková at Roland-Garros in 2021.
If any player can extend the list, it’s Coco Gauff. And you shouldn’t be surprised if that happens.