Coco Gauff experienced something new on the WTA Tour in the San Diego Open opening round: playing someone younger than her.
Gauff became known to fans worldwide when she reached the fourth round of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships as a 15-year-old. In the opening round, the young star defeated the five-time singles champion Venus Williams at SW19.
That moment placed colossal pressure on Gauff despite her being so young. However, the teenager is wise beyond her years and has dealt superbly with being in the spotlight.
Gauff broke new ground in 2022 by reaching the French Open final, her first at a Grand Slam. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek proved too strong in the final, but it was still a breakthrough moment for the American.
She is also among the few top singles players who take doubles seriously. That is why Gauff became the world's No. 1 women's doubles player after winning the Canadian Open with Jessica Pegula.
Gauff's age of 18 means she had never played anyone younger than her on the WTA Tour until defeating her compatriot Robin Montgomery, who turned 18 last month, at the San Diego Open.
In an interview afterward, Gauff commented that it had been seven years since she played someone younger than her, and it was even more challenging because Montgomery is a friend.
"It was the first time playing someone younger than me in probably at least seven years, "It was definitely a different feeling for me. I know Robin very well, we went on a couple USTA trips back when we were like eight years old."
"Pretty much friends ever since. She played really well, I expected a good level from her. ... I was pretty impressed with how well she was striking the ball, it was difficult for me. I told her at the end of the match, maybe next time we play, it's not in a first round match, maybe we'll play in a final."
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