"Qualified again" - Coco Gauff celebrates Paris Olympics qualification with fun TikTok; recalls missing out in 2021 after positive Covid-19 test
Coco Gauff recently celebrated her qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024. The 20-year-old secured her spot in the event by accumulating sufficient points between June 11, 2023, and June 10, 2024.
Gauff was also supposed to be part of the USA squad for the Tokyo Olympics but had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.
Three years later, she celebrated her qualification in a TikTok video which was later shared on X. Gauff first reflected on the last-minute mishap from the previous Olympics in the clip, adding a note to it.
"I missed Tokyo 2021 Olympics due testing positive for a covid a day before I was supposed to leave," Gauff wrote.
The clip further transitioned to a poster of the American tennis contingent for the Paris games. Celebrating the achievement, Gauff was seen dancing in front of the poster.
"Qualified again for 2024" She added.
Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Danielle Collins and Desirae Krawczyk will be the other female tennis players who will represent the United States at the Olympics. The male tennis contingent in Paris comprises of Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Christopher Eubanks, Marcos Giron, Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek.
Coco Gauff previously matched the significance of the Olympics to the Grand Slams
Speaking in a press conference during the Italian Open a few months ago, Coco Gauff emphasized that the Olympics are as important to her as the Grand Slams. The Olympic tennis event begins on July 27, nearly thirteen days after the Wimbledon Championships, and will be played on clay courts. Gauff recognized that transitioning from grass to clay would be a challenging adjustment for her.
"For me, the Olympics is a top priority. I would say equal to the Grand Slams. I wouldn't put it above or below just because I've never played before. This is my first time. Obviously, I always want to do well, try to get a medal. Yeah, I mean, but the prep is going to be interesting because I've never done the grass-to-clay transition before," Coco Gauff said.
Gauff further expressed a relaxed approach, aiming to savor the Olympics experience without undue pressure.
"I'm not putting too much pressure on it because I really want to fully indulge in the experience. Hopefully I can have the experience multiple times in my lifetime. I'll treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Gauff added.
Before the Olympics, the reigning US Open champion is focused on her grass campaign. She made a strong showing at the ecotrans Ladies Open in Berlin, reaching the semifinals where Jessica Pegula ended her campaign. She is next scheduled to compete in Wimbledon as the second seed.