"A message for all young players out here; your results, job, or how much money you make, doesn't define you" - Coco Gauff after reaching French Open SF
American teenage sensation Coco Gauff broke new ground at the 2022 French Open, reaching her first-ever Grand Slam singles semifinal. Shortly after her straight-sets win over Sloane Stephens, Gauff had a special life message for fans and aspiring players.
The Atlanta native said that she approaches life with the intention of focusing on just her own expectations, adding that it was important to strive to be a good person.
"Even last year, I think I was too focused on trying to fulfill other people's expectations. Just enjoy life. No matter how good or bad my career is, I think Iām a great person," Coco Gauff said when asked to convey a message to other young players.
She emphasized the importance of her message by stating that results and money can never define a person.
"That's a message for all the young players out here: Your results, your job, or how much money you make, doesn't define you as a person. Just know that if you love yourself, who cares what anyone else thinks," she added.
Just continue to be you! #dreambig twitter.com/rolandgarros/sā¦
Still just 18 years old, Gauff is already an inspiration for many upcoming tennis players. Her words after the match show her positive mindset and the belief she is carrying at the moment.
The 18-year-old is yet to drop a set at the tournament and has not been on court for more than an hour and a half in any of the five matches she has played so far.
First Grand Slam SF coming š
The No.18 seed prevails over 2018 finalist Sloane Stephens 7-5, 6-2.
#RolandGarros https://t.co/l9bDk1SI5P
During her quarterfinal against Stephens, Gauff raced to a 5-2 lead, but Stephens levelled proceedings at 5-5, tilting the momentum in her favor. However, Gauff held her nerve to break again and clinch the first set.
She faced pressure again and was broken in the opening game of the second set, but then went on a five-game winning streak before closing out the set 6-2.
Gauff's semifinal opponent is another highly talented player in Martina Trevisan, who defeated the American in the second round of the 2020 French Open.
I think clay really suits my game: Coco Gauff
With the results she has achieved so far at the French Open, it is obvious that the claycourt Major is Coco Gauff's most successful Grand Slam. In addition to her run to the semifinals this year, Gauff reached the last eight in 2021. She is yet to reach the quarterfinals of any other Major.
The American teenager believes that she plays her best tennis on clay.
"Yeah, for sure. I definitely feel confident on the court. I feel like it (clay) really suits my game. Yeah, and I feel like, you know, the previous tournaments this clay season I had some good wins but it wasn't really any outstanding results," Gauff said.
"I feel like it gave me a lot to learn from, and I think I'm taking those tough matches that I lost this season and really learning from them and I guess showing that I'm doing better," Gauff added.
Coco in control š®
#RolandGarros | @CocoGauff https://t.co/wHADr04eS5
Coco Gauff is also the first woman since 2007 to reach multiple Major quarterfinals before her 19th birthday. Gauff will face another major test in the semifinals against Trevisan, who is on a 10-match win streak herself and beat Leylah Fernandez in three sets in the last eight.
Also Check Out :- French Open 2022 Schedule