'Now I Understand Why People Love Coco': Coach Pere Riba On Gauff

| by Jake Davies

Experienced tennis coach Pere Riba expressed all of his admiration for Coco Gauff in the short spell they have been working together.

Pere Riba was a very good professional as tennis player and has transitioned to a well-respected coach in such a short space of time. His most notable accomplishment as a coach was taking Chinese player Qinwen Zheng to the World's Top 25, and now we are already seeing his understated influence in Gauff's tennis in addition.

Riba decided to link up with Gauff earlier this season and the progress that the American has made under his tutelage has been absolutely phenomenal. Riba was a fantastic clay-court specialist as a player, but the professionalism and dedication that he can reinforce in Gauff's game is invaluable to say the least.

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Riba may have only been Gauff's full-time coach for a short while, but he has already recognised not only the way that Gauff carries herself on the court, but the impact she has on people away from the court, when the cameras aren't always on her. Riba explained in a recent interview with Tennis.com.

"Now I understand why the people love Coco Gauff. It is not only because she is an amazing tennis player. She's also an amazing, amazing person. I did not know she was like that. I was expecting less. When you know more of her you can see that is how she is - the education, the manners, how she treats people, the way that she finishes the practice. She is taking care of the things."

Riba seems to be a calming influence in the background. Gauff's aspirations may be quite high, but Riba continues to focus on the long-term rather than putting too much emphasis on short term success, even if Gauff is more than capable of both.

"I really wish that she win the US Open. But it is not mandatory. She is going to try, she is going to fight, she is going to give the 100 percent, but step by step, hitting the ground and working every day, is what we are doing."

Gauff won both the Washington and Cincinnati titles under the guidance of Pere Riba. She will be hoping that that is just a mere sign of even greater things to come in a blossoming partnership.

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