"It gives me inspiration" - Gauff looks to Swiatek about what's possible

Tuesday, 03 May 2022 at 15:30

Updated at Monday, 24 June 2024 at 11:34

Gauff Coco MadridOpen2022 FlorinBaltatoiu

byZachary Wimer

Coco Gauff is one of many teenagers on the WTA Tour who are trying to prove their qualities, and she takes inspiration from fellow youngsters.

Iga Swaitek, who is currently number one player at the age of 20 leads this pack of young players on the WTA Tour. Gauff, who is a few years younger, is definitely feeling the alleviation of pressure by Swiatek doing well as she was hailed a teenage sensation for over two years now.

The young American was always expected to be one of the players who will dominate in the future, but having fellow youngsters who have been doing well, helps her to avoid some of that pressure, as she revealed to Eurosport in a recent conversation.

"It definitely takes the pressure off. I feel like my age is a big thing that people were talking about but I think for me, we’re all on the court, we’re all going to the same lines, the same balls, the same everything."

"Age, yes, does play a factor a little bit with experience or maybe physically, but Iga being No.1 definitely gives a little extra motivation knowing that she can accomplish it at such a young age in the sport, and maybe you think that you can do it too."

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The turbulent times in the world have had ramifications on the Tour as well, and for Gauff, it helps her keep perspective. She understands that playing tennis is a privilege for her, as many others are going through difficulties at the moment.

"I think you just have to remind yourself that it’s just a tennis match and there are people going through much worse things in the world than losing a tennis match. I just look at it as something that I do and I love but it’s not my life entirely. I’m still going to be here if tennis were not to exist tomorrow, I’ll still be here and there’s many more things to worry about in the world than just a tennis match."

Breaking out as young as she did created a lot of pressure for her and it's something she enjoys to a degree. At the same time, Gauff knows that there is a perfect balance to everything, including her social media time.

"You don’t want to completely shut yourself off. For me, I lessen my time on social media but I also do enjoy social media. So you have to find the right balance of listening to what people have to say – because I do care what people say about me – but also knowing when to block it out."