"Ever since I joined the tour, or even when I was eight, the next Serena Williams, next this, next that, and I think I really fell into the trap of believing that" - Coco Gauff after reaching French Open SF
Coco Gauff booked a spot in her maiden Grand Slam semifinals with a resounding 7-5, 6-2 win over compatriot Sloane Stephens on Day 10 of the 2022 French Open.
The American reached the quarterfinals last year, losing to eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova. She managed to flip the script this time around and thrilled the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd with her exceptional skills, ousting Stephens, a former finalist in Paris, in an hour-and-a-half.
Speaking at her post-match press conference, Gauff spoke about the pressure and expectations that she has been under since a young age. She specifically highlighted the comparisons to the Williams sisters, saying she has been dubbed the "next Serena" since she was eight years old.
"I think I was, you know, ever since I joined the tour. Or even when I was young or even eight years old, the next Serena, next this, next that, and I think I really fell into the trap of believing that."
"And, yeah, it's important that you have high hopes for yourself, but also, at the same time, it's important to be in reality and I think that's where I am."
Gauff went on to say that she has begun enjoying her tennis a lot more. She added that the first time she had a big result at the Grand Slam stage at the 2020 Australian Open, she was not happy for the right reasons.
"I'm in reality where I'm enjoying the moment and enjoying the situation. I felt like I was to the point where even when I made the second week or beat Naomi at Australian Open, I remember like I was happy."
"But I wasn't like that happy because, I was, like, I feel like that's what I should do. Whereas now I'm really appreciating each win and loss."
"I mean, I think it's just another match" - Coco Gauff on French Open semifinal
Gauff will take on Martina Trevisan in the 2022 French Open semifinals. The Italian, who will also be playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, came through a topsy-turvy three-set affair against Leylah Fernandez. The American and Trevisan have faced off once, with the Italian winning their French Open clash two years ago.
Speaking about the last-four contest, Gauff said she was treating it as just another match and not looking at the "finish line" like last year. She added that she would approach the encounter the same way she has all week.
"I mean, I think it's just another match, to be honest. You know, I don't know. I feel like last year I was looking at the finish line, and now I'm not looking at anything really except that ball in front of me."
"So I think, to be honest, going into the next match I'm just going to approach it the same.I mean, I care about the results, yes, but also at the same time I don't. Like if I gave it my all I'm not going to be upset."
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Teenager @CocoGauff came out on top against fellow American Sloane Stephens in a hard-fought quarter-final:
#RolandGarros https://t.co/kQphuXxVva
Also Check Out :- French Open 2022 Results