Martina Navratilova talked about the arrival of a new 'Big Four' in the women's game after Coco Gauff announced herself on the grandest stage by winning the US Open title.
Coco Gauff needed to work hard and come through some hard-fought matches to win her maiden Grand Slam title, with four of her seven matches going the full three sets.
But what Gauff had displayed throughout her title run this fortnight was her ability to work matchups out, problem-solve her way back into matches, and find a way to improve her weaker forehand enough to get over the line.
Lots of tennis legends have had a lot to say about the young American and what this victory means for tennis going forward. Talking to SkySports, Navratilova discussed the change in dynamic at the top of the game, as she expects Gauff to play a big role in the outcome of Grand Slams in the years that lie ahead.
"We were talking the big three. Now it's the big four. It's Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff."
It could be said that there is a lot more tennis to be played until Gauff gets mentioned in the same breath as consistent performers like those three aforementioned names. However, Gauff will be at a career-high of No.3 in the world come Monday, so if she continues to develop her game and rides out her limitations, the sky is the limit.
Navratilova also made the point of the American not having any pressure on her shoulders now that she has her first major title.
"She has no pressure on her now, because she's won this one, so the expectations have been met. Now she's got time to get better."
Many would argue that if Gauff is to grow into a multiple Grand Slam champion that pressure will always be there. It certainly lessens after the first one, but Gauff will feel that she has plenty more to offer the sport going forward, both with her talents on the court, but her words of refreshing wisdom off it, also.
0 Comments