Coco Gauff is reaping the rewards of her rising maturity after laying down her Australian Open contender credentials with a straight-sets second-round win over grand slam title graduate Emma Raducanu.
The 18-year-old American, final 12 months’s Roland Garros runner-up, impressed together with her composure as she saved two set factors within the second set towards the 2021 US Open champion in an entertaining 6-3 7-6 (7-4) victory.
Seventh-seeded Gauff is brimming with confidence after claiming silverware on the ASB Classic in Auckland and Wednesday evening’s conflict was an vital take a look at as she eyes a grand slam breakthrough.
“For the most part I stayed calm when I needed to and made the serve when I needed to, held when I needed to,” Gauff instructed reporters.
“That definitely comes with maturity.
“I really feel like up to now I might have freaked out in that second.”
It was Gauff’s 100th WTA win and she is the youngest woman to reach that milestone since Caroline Wozniacki in 2009.
Both Gauff and Raducanu have felt the weight of expectation since their respective rapid rises, with their first match hotly anticipated.
Gauff is still chasing her breakthrough while Raducanu, 20, hasn’t made it past the second round at a grand slam since her triumph.
“I undoubtedly really feel for her. I suppose I can sort of relate. I really feel like she skilled it on a a lot larger stage than I did,” Gauff instructed reporters.
“But coming in on tour younger, it is a completely different life from juniors, enjoying in smaller occasions, to unexpectedly individuals understanding your title, individuals anticipating you to win on a regular basis.
“For me, last year was my first full year on tour. I think last year was her first full year, as well. It’s something that people need to remember and be reminded of.
“I feel followers are desperate to see a brand new face of the sport. It’s additionally a reminder, even when we did not play tennis, we’re simply regular youngsters dwelling our life
“Tennis is one of those sports, especially in the women’s game, used to having young stars. Everybody is expecting everyone to be at the top of their game.”
Gauff stated she’d initially targeted an excessive amount of on making an attempt to not use her younger age as an excuse, however was now extra relaxed.
“I almost put too much pressure on myself wanting things now, now, now, now. I think I’ve taken a step back,” she stated.
The teenage ace will subsequent play fellow American Bernarda Pera.
