“Help our side of the game,” Coco Gauff gets candid about the financial and emotional benefits she could reap from the hyped ATP-WTA merger

Coco Gauff is in support of WTA-ATP merger as she moves on to the Australian Open semi-finals.

“Help our side of the game,” Coco Gauff gets candid about the financial and emotional benefits she could reap from the hyped ATP-WTA merger

Coco Gauff (Via Youtube)

The debate of merging the WTA and ATP tours has been taking the rounds for a while. With split reactions among the players, there is no clarity yet. Recently, the American Coco Gauff expressed her views on the possibility of the merger and whether it is good for the players.

With gender equality becoming a more serious issue in sports, many tennis athletes expect equal pay for men and women. With their being separate tours, women are usually not paid the same amount as men. Except for combined tours, men usually get paid more than women. Gauff stands in favor of the merging, as she lucidly explains the emotional and financial benefits of the merger.

YouTube video
Yeah, I definitely think it would help women, especially the women's side of the game. I find that when I'm at combined events I just feel like the energy amongst the crowd is better. For most of the events it's equal prize money when they're combined. Yeah, definitely will help our side of the game.
Coco Gauff to the AO Press.

Other than reaping the financial benefits of the merger, Gauff points out that the energy among the crowd would also be better. Furthermore, as she has many guy friends on tour, the American also revealed the fun side of the merger, as she gets to hang out with her other friends.

FS Video

While this discussion has gained some weight over the last year, a final decision is yet to be taken. The council is yet to conclude as the players wait for the possibility of a huge change in tennis. 

Coco Gauff looks to continue her perfect run at the AO

American sensation Coco Gauff continues her dominant run at the Australian Open. After ending the US Open as the winner, she moves on to her second Grand Slam semi-finals in a row. 

Coco Gauff and Marta Kostyuk
Coco Gauff and Marta Kostyuk(via News18)

Not having dropped a set yet, Gauff entered the quarter-finals against Marta Kostyuk as a clear favorite. However, while many saw her struggle throughout the match to execute perfect shots, Gauff managed to win in a three-setter thriller to move on to the semi-finals. She won the game 7-6(6),6-7(3),6-2 to secure her spot in the top 4.

With this win, the 19-year-old extended her 2024 win streak to 10-0. She also heads into the semi-finals with a perfect record and will hope to continue that streak. Gauff will play the defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals. Sabalenka beat Barbora Kerjcikova in straight sets to book a date with Gauff. The clash will be between the powerful serving Sabalenka and an improved receiver Gauff. 

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