Coco Gauff is one people look at when thinking about leading US tennis forward, and she does feel some pressure to deliver after Serena Williams hung up her racquet.
For close to two decades, it was Serena Williams everybody thought of when mentioning US tennis. The American has left a huge mark in the sport, put together arguably the best career of all time, and inspired so many to play the sport.
But she's retired now, and the planet keeps spinning, meaning life goes on. In light of her retirement, many looked to Coco Gauff to fill the gap, and as of recently, she's been doing just that. A signature title run in Cincinnati at the WTA 1000 event showed everyone that Gauff was maturing into the superstar many thought she could be.
This US Open is another huge event, with many hoping that Gauff could emerge on top. It's a goal for her, but more broadly, Gauff understands her role in pushing US tennis forward. In an exclusive interview with People, Gauff talked about the spotlight and carrying the expectations of a nation on her shoulders.
Yeah, definitely... I do think there's a slight pressure and everybody's looking at me.
All the media hype is focused on Gauff in New York as she hopes to deliver the trophy. Comparisons are made all the time, and while she's very reluctant to engage in them, the American understands why.
She's been highly regarded as a future superstar since the moment she came out, so comparisons will always be part of it. Even with all of that, she is determined to carve out her own path while still honoring legends of the sport like Serena Williams, who inspired her.
It does put a little bit less pressure in a way because she is the greatest player of all time. I don't think anybody will [take Serena's mantle] because she's just one of a kind. But I will try my best to be the best Coco.
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