Novak Djokovic heaped lots of praise on Coco Gauff as she continues her quest for a maiden Grand Slam title.
Coco Gauff has made such progress in a short space of time. This time last year she had broken into the World's Top 10 for the first time, and she has stayed there since. But now it feels like she is finally turning into a player that can not only go far in events, but, this time, compete for those big trophies.
Gauff crashed out of Wimbledon in the first round to compatriot Sofia Kenin, and that left a lot more questions than answers. But after going on a run of eleven wins out of twelve, sealing her biggest title in Washington before backing it up with an even bigger title in Cincinnati, it feels like she is the form of her career at the moment.
One watchful spectator in the background is none other than Novak Djokovic, who understands the pressure of being an elite athlete and the expectation of consistently delivering special moments on a tennis court. Djokovic had some nice words to say about Gauff and her obvious progress during the US hard court swing.
"Coco is on the rise. She's yet to win a Grand Slam, but played in the finals. She's still young, but now Brad Gilbert on her side with the great experience of coaching some of the greats. I think things are coming together for her. She played really good tennis in Cincinnati and also she's been playing well here."
Brad GIlbert appears to be the biggest difference maker. Being that elite coach that has worked with the very best, has a proven track record and it looks like he is bringing a sense of calmness to Gauff's game, while alleviating the pressures on her forehand. Djokovic highlighted some of Gauff's qualities while competing.
"Physically she seems to be very fit. She's striking the ball very well. But it still takes some time, a few years for things to come together, where you feel you are complete as a player, that you are ready to win slams and dominate the game."
There are still some tough obstacles standing in Gauff's way, including the likes of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. But the American is showing she deserves to be in the conversation among the very best.
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