Coco Gauff is simply hoping to keep away from a brutal destiny from the Tokyo Olympics because the top-ranked American feminine tennis participant is set to make it a memorable Olympic debut in Paris and produce a medal to her nation.
Gauff, who turned 20 in March, earned an Olympic spot in Tokyo and he or she was alleged to make her Olympic debut three years in the past. However then, Gauff’s Olympic debut was halted in one of the unlucky methods attainable as she examined constructive for COVID simply earlier than the occasion began and was compelled to drag out.
Now lower than a month earlier than the beginning of the Paris Olympics, Gauff is totally wholesome and making ready to play at Wimbledon first. Heading into Wimbledon, the 20-year-old needs to be a contender for her second Grand Slam title but in addition to keep away from any accidents or bodily setbacks that might probably cease her from competing in Paris in late July.
“Fingers crossed nothing occurs to me on the final minute once more! However I am actually pleased to have my shot at a medal… each time I see anyone else with a gold medal, I need one so unhealthy,” Gauff informed Individuals.
What Gauff mentioned concerning the Tokyo withdrawal and her Olympic targets earlier this yr?
Earlier than the beginning of this yr’s Miami Open, American tennis star Gauff confirmed that she was completely planning to play on the Olympics.
And when requested to disclose how she truthfully felt after the Tokyo Olympics withdrawal, Gauff admitted that she was initially “crushed” earlier than merely accepting that it was not one thing she may have managed.
“I used to be (crushed) for a day, after which I used to be like, effectively, there’s nothing I can do about it. You recognize, individuals have misplaced members of the family. And I spotted that life isn’t about enjoying tennis – so I used to be OK with it after a day,” Gauff mentioned in Miami.
Over the past yr, Gauff has introduced plenty of success to American tennis – she gained the 2023 US Open, made back-to-back semifinals within the final two Grand Slams, and he or she can be presently having fun with a career-high rating of No. 2 on this planet. And through that Miami presser, the American issued a really clear reply on how badly she wished to get a gold medal for herself and her nation.
“Considered one of my greatest desires is to win a gold medal, and admittedly, I believe it’s one of many issues that it doesn’t matter what occasion it’s in. A gold medal is a gold medal, the place I really feel just like the Grand Slams is certainly means cooler to win a singles one than a doubles one,” Gauff mentioned on the time.
Gauff additionally has large Olympic targets with Jessica Pegula in doubles
Though Gauff and Pegula are usually not common doubles gamers, they’ve been one of the profitable groups during the last two years as they’ve gained 5 titles. And whereas they do not have a Grand Slam title as a duo, they had been the runners-up on the 2022 French Open – the identical venue the place the Paris Olympics will happen. Additionally, they had been semifinalists ultimately yr’s Australian Open and French Open.
When addressing her Olympic targets earlier this yr, Gauff famous it was vital for her to play some doubles occasions and maintain her type there but in addition hinted she would lower on doubles after the Olympics.
“I’ll say subsequent yr I do wish to play slightly bit much less doubles perhaps after the Olympics, however it’s powerful proper now I really feel like to simply cease enjoying utterly when you’re doing effectively with somebody who’s out of your identical nation, which you don’t see that in plenty of groups. That’s most likely my pondering, that not less than by means of the Olympics I wish to attempt my finest to remain ranked excessive sufficient so we are able to qualify,” Gauff defined earlier this yr.
Since Pegula was injured and unable to play on the French Open, Gauff discovered one other accomplice as she and Katerina Siniakova ended up profitable all of it of their group debut.
After the French Open, Gauff returned to enjoying doubles with Pegula. Nevertheless, their return did not go very well since they misplaced to Linda Noskova and Katerina Siniakova of their Berlin opener.
However the aim for the Paris Olympics stays the identical.
“I do know she’s [Gauff] informed me she actually needs to win a medal subsequent yr, and he or she actually needs a Slam, in order that’s type of what we’re working in the direction of. I believe it’s important to play different occasions if these are your targets,” Pegula mentioned earlier this yr.