I saw a future champion in Cori Gauff since the start, says Mouratoglou
In an interview to The New York Post Patrick Mouratoglou recalled the first time she saw the 15-year-old Cori Gauff playing tennis. The Frenchman said: “I saw a future champion. Everything I believed was necessary to become a champion, I can see at that age already. If I point out the most important things, saw athleticism, the drive, self-confidence — but not cocky — just a belief in herself. Hard worker. Super competitor. You see her in practice, then she goes into the match, it’s a different level. She knows how to win.”
On Gauff's keys to success, Mouratoglou added: "We provided a good environment. She has a great family who have a big role. She looks up to her father the most. They had other needs. They needed a fitness plan, hitting partners and establishing a long-term plan. Why limit her? Bad luck [getting] Osaka, but bad luck for who? I think she could do well but it’s no pressure because everything’s new. The attention she got was unreal after Wimbledon. You always need time to get used to the new status and so many changes. With her, she is often very surprising. That’s why she’s exciting.”
Chris Evert, former world No. 1, said: “Coco Gauff had one fantastic tournament, at Wimbledon. I hope we’re not putting too much pressure on her. But looking at her game, she has everything skill set-wise as far as power and touch and variety of shots.”
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2KXTkBa
No comments