Coco Gauff reveals if she felt added pressure and expectation playing as No.1 American against countrywoman Sofia Kenin at Australian Open
World No.3 Coco Gauff eliminated compatriot Sofia Kenin from the ongoing Australian Open with a straight-set win.
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Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin (Images via X)
Coco Gauff knocked out 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin from the first round of the ongoing Australian Open on Monday (January 13). The 20-year-old fired 12 aces to power past Kenin 6-3, 6-3 in 80 minutes inside Rod Laver Arena to schedule a second-round clash with Jodie Anna Burrage.
The World No.3, who is currently the No.1 American player, was asked if she deals with added pressure while playing her compatriot. She thinks if had been the only American playing, she would have been at the center of attention, which would’ve added more pressure on her.
I never really really think about it, to be honest. I think it’s actually a bit easier when you have so many top players and from your same country because I guess the weight or pressure of your American tennis or country’s tennis doesn’t rely on you only.
Coco Gauff said at the press conference
Gauff had dealt with disappointments due to Kenin, as the youngster was twice denied a chance to win a Grand Slam title. Before this match, they met thrice on the tour. Two of those encounters came in Majors, in the fourth round of the 2020 Australian Open and the first round of the 2024 Wimbledon.
The win over Kenin was Gauff’s sixth straight win this season, following the five singles matches she played at the United Cup.
Mark Petchey calls Coco Gauff the best athlete in women’s tennis
Coco Gauff, after storming past Sofia Kenin, received high praise from former player Mark Petchey, who is currently working as an analyst for Stan Sport. Petchey said Gauff’s weakness was her serve and forehand and, despite that, she won the 2023 US Open by being a ‘great mover’.
Listen, there will be people that say Steffi Graf is, there’ll be people that say Martina Navratilova is the best athlete in the women’s game. For me, it’s Coco. I just look at the way that she moves on the court. She is so balanced, she never guesses with her footwork, she’s always there.
Mark Petchey said on Grand Slam Daily (H/T: Nine)
After adding coach Matt Daly to her team last year, Gauff won the 2024 China Open, 2024 WTA Finals, and the United Cup with Team USA. She is one of the favorites in the ongoing tournament and if she reaches the semifinals, she could face two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.
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Gouri Das
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