Cori “Coco” Gauff, according to former world No. 1 Steffi Graf, is headed for stardom.
The 15-year-old American had an incredible 2019 season, qualifying for the Wimbledon final 16 and the U.S. Open third round.
Gauff made history earlier this month when she won the title in Linz, Austria, becoming the youngest woman to do so in fifteen years. She started the year as the world’s No. 685 and is expected to finish in the 68th position.
At the WTA Zhuhai Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, China on Tuesday, German player Graf, a 22-time major singles winner, told reporters, “It’s going to be incredible to follow her the next few years.” “She has such a natural flair and incredible talent.” In light of this, I don’t believe she will require any advice at all.
Graf, who began competing professionally in what was then West Germany at the age of 12, was also a teenage prodigy. She took home the 1987 French Open grand slam singles title, her first in five years. Graf won the Olympic gold singles medal in 1988 and swept all four major tournaments thanks to her explosive forehand, earning her the nickname “Fraulein Forehand.” Graf left the game in 1999 at the age of thirty, having advanced to the Wimbledon finals and won the Roland-Garros that year.
Gauff won’t be able to play a full schedule until March 2022, when she turns 18, unlike Graf. The women’s WTA Tour implemented an age eligibility rule in the mid-1990s to safeguard the health of emerging athletes and avoid burnout during the early stages of their careers.
Graf remarked, “I haven’t met her.” However, I did catch a little bit of her playing during a few of the televised matches. Therefore, it doesn’t seem like she needs much advice (laughing). From what I can tell, just by observing her, she seems to be having a great time; her intensity and amazing athleticism are evident.
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