“Another two, three years” Mats Wilander predicts when Coco Gauff will be a competitor for major titles
The Swedish legend praised the 18-year-old star and predicted the time frame for her to become a contender
Coco Gauff and Mats Wilander
Mats Wilander has predicted that Coco Gauff will be a competitor for major titles in another two to three years as he praised her natural progression. Wilander has been impressed with the trajectory of Gauff’s career since her breakout in 2019 and says she is the most steadily improving player he has ever seen. He believes that Gauff is still far from the best players but is steadily advancing to their level.
Wilander said,” For me, Coco has taken the most natural path towards the top of the women’s game and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a player improve with such certain steps. She is so far away from the best players in the world still, but she is making improvements every time I see her. She is making a very healthy march towards the top, but she’s very far away from being close to the top in terms of level with Iga Swiatek. So, no, we need to give her another two, three years.”
Mats Wilander knows what he is talking about. The former World Number 1 himself broke through at an early age like Gauff. Wilander was just 17 when he unexpectedly won the 1982 French Open title. He had his best year in 1988, winning 3 of 4 major titles and finishing as World Number 1. Coco Gauff would do well to soak up the Hall of Fame inductee’s advice.
Coco Gauff had a very good 2022. The young American reached her first Grand Slam final at the French Open, where she lost to Iga Swiatek. She also reached the doubles French Open final and achieved World Number 1 rank in the format.
She performed well at the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals, a career-best. With momentum behind her, Gauff will be hoping to go all the way in a Grand Slam tournament this year. The 18—year-old will hope to get her 2022 season off to a good start at the Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of the year starts on the 16th of January, and Gauff will be keen to improve from her 1st round exit last year.
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Barbara Schett hails Coco Gauff’s “tremendous growth”
Former tennis player Barbara Schett praised Coco Gauff’s achievements so far. The former World Number 7 said that Gauff is already tremendous for her age. She commended the team around the teenage star for helping her get to this stage. Schett also pointed out what Gauff could achieve in the near future.
Speaking to Eurosport, the former Austrian player said,” She’s already got to world No. 1 in doubles and in singles she is a fixture in the top 10. Is it enough to be world No. 1? We’ll find out. She’s going to be around for many more years.”
Schett further said Gauff should be looking to break into the top 5 WTA rankings. She said she believes she can reach that goal too. Gauff finished 2022 in 7th rank. With some good performances in tournaments, she can move up quickly, for which she will surely be aiming.
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