Romania`s Simona Halep fought off a late rally from Coco Gauff and Brazil`s Beatriz Haddad Maia pulled off another three-set upset as both made the semi-finals of the Canadian Open on Friday. Twice champion Halep secured a nervy 6-4 7-6(2) win on Friday and advance to the last four for a fifth time.

The former world number one, up a set and leading 4-1 in the second, looked headed for an easy passage into the last four. But Gauff dug in and rallied to force the second set to a tiebreak before 15th-seeded Halep finish off the 10th seed in the tiebreak to maintain her dominance over the American.

In four career meetings, including three this year, Gauff has yet to take a set off Halep, who next faces another American in seventh seed Jessica Pegula - a 6-3 6-3 winner over Kazakh Yulia Putintseva.

"I`m really pleased with the way I stayed there strong mentally," said Halep, after reaching her 29th career semi-final at a WTA 1000 event - more than any other player.

"And I fought for every point which was really important because she`s doing the same thing. Mentally I`m strong even if I struggled a little bit in the second set."

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Halep certainly struggled in the second as she twice served for the match at 5-4 and 6-5 only to be broken each time. But the twice Grand Slam winner refocused in the tiebreak to stop the contest going to a third and registered her 36th win this season behind only Iga Swiatek (48) and Ons Jabeur (37).

The 30-year-old also had to wrestle with her serve, committing eight double faults while giving French Open finalist Gauff plenty of chances with 12 break opportunities. Haddad Maia humbled 12th seed Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to become the first Brazilian to reach the semi-finals of a WTA 1000 tournament.

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The 26-year-old from Sao Paulo, who stunned Polish world number one Iga Swiatek in the previous round, needed two hours and 11 minutes to edge past 2015 champion Bencic. She will meet former world number one Karolina Pliskova who prevailed 4-6 6-4 6-4 against Zheng Qinwen of China in the last quarter-final match.

Romania`s Simona Halep fought off a late rally from Coco Gauff and Brazil`s Beatriz Haddad Maia pulled off another three-set upset as both made the semi-finals of the Canadian Open on Friday.

Romania`s Simona Halep fought off a late rally from Coco Gauff and Brazil`s Beatriz Haddad Maia pulled off another three-set upset as both made the semi-finals of the Canadian Open on Friday. Twice champion Halep secured a nervy 6-4 7-6(2) win on Friday and advance to the last four for a fifth time. The former world number one, up a set and leading 4-1 in the second, looked headed for an easy passage into the last four. But Gauff dug in and rallied to force the second set to a tiebreak before 15th-seeded Halep finish off the 10th seed in the tiebreak to maintain her dominance over the American. In four career meetings, including three this year, Gauff has yet to take a set off Halep, who next faces another American in seventh seed Jessica Pegula - a 6-3 6-3 winner over Kazakh Yulia Putintseva. "I`m really pleased with the way I stayed there strong mentally," said Halep, after reaching her 29th career semi-final at a WTA 1000 event - more than any other player. "And I fought for every point which was really important because she`s doing the same thing. Mentally I`m strong even if I struggled a little bit in the second set." Also Read: ‘If I was a guy’- Serena Williams claims sexism played a major role in her retirement call Halep certainly struggled in the second as she twice served for the match at 5-4 and 6-5 only to be broken each time. But the twice Grand Slam winner refocused in the tiebreak to stop the contest going to a third and registered her 36th win this season behind only Iga Swiatek (48) and Ons Jabeur (37). The 30-year-old also had to wrestle with her serve, committing eight double faults while giving French Open finalist Gauff plenty of chances with 12 break opportunities. Haddad Maia humbled 12th seed Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to become the first Brazilian to reach the semi-finals of a WTA 1000 tournament. Also Read: US Open: Big boost to Novak Djokovic's participation after USA confirms changes to COVID norms The 26-year-old from Sao Paulo, who stunned Polish world number one Iga Swiatek in the previous round, needed two hours and 11 minutes to edge past 2015 champion Bencic. She will meet former world number one Karolina Pliskova who prevailed 4-6 6-4 6-4 against Zheng Qinwen of China in the last quarter-final match.

Simona Halep fights off Coco Gauff, Haddad Maia stuns Bencic in Canadian Open

American 18-year-old Coco Gauff found the poise to stall a fierce fightback from four-time major winner Naomi Osaka on Thursday, defeating the former world number one 6-4 6-4 to reach the Silicon Valley Classic quarter-finals.

It was the fourth meeting between Japan`s Osaka and Gauff, who finished runner-up in her maiden Grand Slam final at this year`s French Open, with the American levelling the head-to-head record at 2-2. 
Gauff did not allow a single opportunity on her serve in the opening set, with a sole break of Osaka`s delivery enough for the American to take it.

She dominated the twice Australian and U.S. Open champion in the second set to go 5-1, 40-0 up before the 24-year-old Osaka turned things around. Osaka saved four match points to hold serve and then broke Gauff, who committed two double faults, on her first opportunity in the eighth game.

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Osaka saved three more match points for her next service hold to narrow the deficit to 5-4 before Gauff converted her eighth match point with another big serve. "Even though I was up 5-1, 40-0 I knew I didn`t have the match in the bag yet and she proved that," Gauff said. "When you play Naomi she can play lights out tennis. I wasn`t too mad. I was just like, eventually it`ll calm down and if it doesn`t calm down then it`s probably not my day.

"The most proud was how I responded mentally. I could have easily folded in those couple of double-faults and match points that I lost. But I kept telling myself, `another point, another chance,` and then the music kind of helped on the bench. I was trying to sing along to the song to get me out of the match."

Next up for Gauff, who is third behind top-ranked Iga Swiatek and Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur in the Race to the WTA Finals leaderboard, will be second-seeded Spaniard Paula Badosa. The WTA 500 tournament in San Jose, California lost its top seed on Thursday when world number three Maria Sakkari was beaten 6-1 6-3 by American Shelby Rogers.

American 18-year-old Coco Gauff found the poise to stall a fierce fightback from four-time major winner Naomi Osaka on Thursday, defeating the former world number one 6-4 6-4 to reach the Silicon Valley Classic quarter-finals.

American 18-year-old Coco Gauff found the poise to stall a fierce fightback from four-time major winner Naomi Osaka on Thursday, defeating the former world number one 6-4 6-4 to reach the Silicon Valley Classic quarter-finals. It was the fourth meeting between Japan`s Osaka and Gauff, who finished runner-up in her maiden Grand Slam final at this year`s French Open, with the American levelling the head-to-head record at 2-2. Gauff did not allow a single opportunity on her serve in the opening set, with a sole break of Osaka`s delivery enough for the American to take it. She dominated the twice Australian and U.S. Open champion in the second set to go 5-1, 40-0 up before the 24-year-old Osaka turned things around. Osaka saved four match points to hold serve and then broke Gauff, who committed two double faults, on her first opportunity in the eighth game. ALSO READ | World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev attains new milestone on winning return in Los Cabos Osaka saved three more match points for her next service hold to narrow the deficit to 5-4 before Gauff converted her eighth match point with another big serve. "Even though I was up 5-1, 40-0 I knew I didn`t have the match in the bag yet and she proved that," Gauff said. "When you play Naomi she can play lights out tennis. I wasn`t too mad. I was just like, eventually it`ll calm down and if it doesn`t calm down then it`s probably not my day. "The most proud was how I responded mentally. I could have easily folded in those couple of double-faults and match points that I lost. But I kept telling myself, `another point, another chance,` and then the music kind of helped on the bench. I was trying to sing along to the song to get me out of the match." Next up for Gauff, who is third behind top-ranked Iga Swiatek and Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur in the Race to the WTA Finals leaderboard, will be second-seeded Spaniard Paula Badosa. The WTA 500 tournament in San Jose, California lost its top seed on Thursday when world number three Maria Sakkari was beaten 6-1 6-3 by American Shelby Rogers.

Teen sensation Coco Gauff stalls fierce fightback from Naomi Osaka in San Jose

Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka returned to action for the first time since May with a 6-4 3-6 6-1 win over Zheng Qinwen at the Silicon Valley Classic on Tuesday, setting up a mouth-watering clash against teenage American Coco Gauff.

Japan`s Osaka suffered a left Achilles injury in the lead-up to the French Open, where she lost in the opening round before pulling out of Wimbledon. The former world number one has her father back as coach after splitting with Wim Fissette and showed she has regained full fitness during her victory at the WTA 500 event in San Jose, California.

"My best friends are from here. So I`ve been to the campus and been to the class, on the side. I kind of feel like a local," Osaka, who has currently slipped down to 41 in the rankings, said on court. "It`s good to be back playing, I haven`t played since May. I didn`t realise that but somebody told me."

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Next up for Osaka, who won the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020, will be 18-year-old Gauff, who moved into the second round with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina. "What`s always impressed me about Coco is her mentality," Osaka, 24, said. "When I was her age, I would find myself getting frustrated and I would show it. I just think it`s really cool how she`s able to stay really neutral all the time.

"She`s been on the Tour for a while and I think people don`t know that because of how young she is. She`s improving every year, so I think there`s a lot that she`s learning and it`s only a matter of time before she wins a Slam." Gauff is ranked 11th in the world and made her maiden Grand Slam final in Paris this year. 
"Either way, win or lose, I think that the match is going to be great," the American said. 
"She`s such a champion, on and off the court, so I guess those are the type of people that you want to play, and I look forward to playing those matches."

Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka returned to action for the first time since May with a 6-4 3-6 6-1 win over Zheng Qinwen at the Silicon Valley Classic on Tuesday, setting up a mouth-watering clash against teenage American Coco Gauff.

Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka returned to action for the first time since May with a 6-4 3-6 6-1 win over Zheng Qinwen at the Silicon Valley Classic on Tuesday, setting up a mouth-watering clash against teenage American Coco Gauff. Japan`s Osaka suffered a left Achilles injury in the lead-up to the French Open, where she lost in the opening round before pulling out of Wimbledon. The former world number one has her father back as coach after splitting with Wim Fissette and showed she has regained full fitness during her victory at the WTA 500 event in San Jose, California. "My best friends are from here. So I`ve been to the campus and been to the class, on the side. I kind of feel like a local," Osaka, who has currently slipped down to 41 in the rankings, said on court. "It`s good to be back playing, I haven`t played since May. I didn`t realise that but somebody told me." ALSO READ | Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully passes away at 94 Next up for Osaka, who won the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020, will be 18-year-old Gauff, who moved into the second round with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina. "What`s always impressed me about Coco is her mentality," Osaka, 24, said. "When I was her age, I would find myself getting frustrated and I would show it. I just think it`s really cool how she`s able to stay really neutral all the time. "She`s been on the Tour for a while and I think people don`t know that because of how young she is. She`s improving every year, so I think there`s a lot that she`s learning and it`s only a matter of time before she wins a Slam." Gauff is ranked 11th in the world and made her maiden Grand Slam final in Paris this year. "Either way, win or lose, I think that the match is going to be great," the American said. "She`s such a champion, on and off the court, so I guess those are the type of people that you want to play, and I look forward to playing those matches."

Silicon Valley Classic: Naomi Osaka makes winning return, sets up mouth-watering clash vs Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff`s Wimbledon challenge came unstuck in the third round on Saturday when she was beaten by familiar foe Amanda Anisimova 6-7(4) 6-2 6-1 in an all-American showdown. The two Florida-based players had made their way through the junior ranks at the same time, with Anisimova thrashing Gauff to win the U.S. Open junior title in 2017.

Hence when the duo walked on to Centre Court on the sixth day of these championships, they were already all too familiar with each other`s strengths and weaknesses.

Yet during the opening exchanges, 11th seed Gauff threatened to wallop Anisimova as she had two break points to go 4-0 up. An error from the 18-year-old Gauff and a smash from her opponent kept 20th seed Anisimova alive in that game.

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From then on, Anisimova began to work her way back into the contest, winning the next four games to nudge 4-3 ahead in what turned out to be a tight, yet topsy-turvy, first set.

When Anisimova smacked a forehand into the net to surrender the opening set, Gauff shook Centre Court with a roar of "Come on".

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At that stage, only one point separated the two players with Gauff having bagged 51 of the 101 points contested. 
But Anisimova refused to roll over and, despite an early exchange of breaks in the second set, she jumped ahead 3-1.

From then on, she was determined to make her debut on tennis`s most famous stage a day to remember. A backhand winner sealed the win and condemned Gauff to her earliest defeat at Wimbledon. Anisimova will meet Serena Williams`s conqueror Harmony Tan for a place in the quarter-finals.

Coco Gauff`s Wimbledon challenge came unstuck in the third round on Saturday when she was beaten by familiar foe Amanda Anisimova 6-7(4) 6-2 6-1 in an all-American showdown.

Coco Gauff`s Wimbledon challenge came unstuck in the third round on Saturday when she was beaten by familiar foe Amanda Anisimova 6-7(4) 6-2 6-1 in an all-American showdown. The two Florida-based players had made their way through the junior ranks at the same time, with Anisimova thrashing Gauff to win the U.S. Open junior title in 2017. Hence when the duo walked on to Centre Court on the sixth day of these championships, they were already all too familiar with each other`s strengths and weaknesses. Yet during the opening exchanges, 11th seed Gauff threatened to wallop Anisimova as she had two break points to go 4-0 up. An error from the 18-year-old Gauff and a smash from her opponent kept 20th seed Anisimova alive in that game. Also Read: Serena conqueror Harmony Tan crushes Katie Boulter to make last 16 at Wimbledon 2022 From then on, Anisimova began to work her way back into the contest, winning the next four games to nudge 4-3 ahead in what turned out to be a tight, yet topsy-turvy, first set. When Anisimova smacked a forehand into the net to surrender the opening set, Gauff shook Centre Court with a roar of "Come on". Also Read: Lure of Wimbledon grass courts too much for Venus Williams to resist At that stage, only one point separated the two players with Gauff having bagged 51 of the 101 points contested. But Anisimova refused to roll over and, despite an early exchange of breaks in the second set, she jumped ahead 3-1. From then on, she was determined to make her debut on tennis`s most famous stage a day to remember. A backhand winner sealed the win and condemned Gauff to her earliest defeat at Wimbledon. Anisimova will meet Serena Williams`s conqueror Harmony Tan for a place in the quarter-finals.

American teenage sensation Coco Gauff bows out of Wimbledon 2022 after defeat against Amanda Anisimova

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches. The 2018 junior champion, who exited the grasscourt Grand Slam in the fourth round last year, had the honour of opening the second day`s play on Centre Court in the absence of the retired Ash Barty who won the 2021 title.

Playing her first match since winning a second French Open title this month, Poland`s Swiatek powered through the opening set without losing a game -- registering a 6-0 set for the 17th time this year -- despite a stiff breeze swirling through the main show court. A litany of unforced errors, including a double fault, however, led to Swiatek dropping serve at the start of the second set, allowing the 25-year-old Fett, ranked 252nd in the world, to get on the scoreboard.

Swiatek, who played with a ribbon in Ukrainian colours pinned to her cap as she did during her Roland Garros campaign, broke back immediately -- only to hand back the advantage in her next service game. 
The Pole`s struggles with her delivery continued as she had to save five break points to hold serve for the first time in the second set to get to 2-3 and stay in touch with Fett. The hold seemed to spur on Swiatek and she won five games in a row to become the first women`s player in the 21st century to win 36 consecutive matches.

She will meet British wildcard Sonay Kartal or Dutch lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove for a place in the third round. "It`s my first match on grass this season so I knew it`s going to be tricky," said the 21-year-old. "At the beginning of the second set I lost my focus little bit and she used that pretty well. 
"I am pretty happy that I came back and I could finish in two sets. I am just figuring out how to play here and trying to implement all the stuff we were practising. It`s pretty exciting, a new experience for me."

***

Feisty Australian Nick Kyrgios came through a five-set first-round Wimbledon thriller against British wildcard Paul Jubb on Tuesday as his fearsome serve, including 30 aces, eventually overpowered the 22-year-old 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5. It was an unexpectedly testing examination for Kyrgios as the British outsider kept his cool in the face of the Australian`s usual verbal antics, but fell just short.

"It was tough, he had nothing to lose and he played exceptional tennis at times," Kyrgios said. "He`s going to be a good player for sure, I`m just happy to get through. "Playing here is a lot of fun. I talk a lot on the court but off the court I`m not too bad."

Kyrgios looked pretty flat in losing the opening set to a player whose career highlight was winning the U.S. NCAA college title in 2019, and in his frustration he hammered a ball high and out of Court Three. 
Kyrgios is a player the word "chuntering" was invented for as he seems to need to keep up a running monologue to get himself motivated. He took great offence at a single fan uttering an almost polite boo, complaining to the umpire "You don`t accept a hat with two logos on but you accept disrespect of an athlete?".

Kyrgios then complained about a line judge "reporting him" to the umpire. "Not one person has come here today to hear her speak," he said.

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The chat appeared to energise him as he began to find his range in a strong second set but Jubb refused to lie down, being edged out in the third and going toe to toe to take the fourth on the back of a strong tiebreak. The Briton, in only his second Wimbledon appearance having lost in the first round three years ago, was ice-cool in ignoring any potential distraction from Kyrgios’s running commentary, which included another extended whinge over a non-signalled net cord in the tiebreak.

It is now eight years since Kyrgios stunned then world number one Rafa Nadal to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals but he has never matched that since and has reached only one other Grand Slam quarter – in Australia in 2015. The 27-year-old has slipped to world number 40 but his serve remains out of the top drawer, demonstrated when he ripped through the third game of the deciding set to love in 43 seconds before breaking Jubb.

When serving for the set, however, Kyrgios stood back to admire a drop shot, only to be left stranded when Jubb brilliantly ran it down en route to his own break back. Jubb then failed to convert a break point and, serving to take the match to a decisive tiebreak, leaked a couple of shots wide to help Kyrgios secure victory.

***

Coco Gauff made sure she was not thrown off course by the noisy racket created by Nick Kyrgios in a nearby court or by the fact she managed to convert only four of 25 break points as she reached the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday. With Australian hot-head Kyrgios up to his usual antics, yelling at the umpire and involved in heated exchanges with other officials during his first-round match, the commotion from Court Three might have distracted Gauff as she lost the opening seven points to Elena-Gabriela Ruse. 
But despite the inauspicious start, and her growing frustration in failing to convert so many break points, the 11th seed hung tough for 2-1/2 hours to seal a place in round two with a 2-6 6-3 7-5 win over the little-known Romanian.

"Both of us gave our heart on court today," a beaming Gauff told the crowd after celebrating her win by thumping her chest with a clenched fist. "Court Two is a really, really nice court and I like that it`s intimate as you can hear every gasp and every cheer and I like that. "First round is always tough for me as it`s the most nerve racking... but if I lose I know it`s not the end of the world."

The 18-year-old American is the youngest player in the singles draw and after her runner-up finish at the French Open this month, many are tipping her to go all the way at the All England Club. However, when she lost the opening seven points against Ruse, including surrendering her serve to love, her father and coach Corey could be seen frowning on a sun-soaked Court Two.

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When Gauff went on to earn and lose four break points in Ruse`s opening service game, it set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for her family. The popular teenager, who captured the world`s attention when she made it to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old school girl in 2019, finally got a foothold in the match when she broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set before levelling at one set all. The 24-year-old Ruse fought back from 3-1 down in the final set to level at 3-3 but Gauff clung on despite continuing to misfire on break points.

She needed six of them to break Ruse`s resolve in the 11th game of the decider and secured victory when her opponent whipped a forehand wide. She will next face Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches.

World number one Iga Swiatek recovered from a dip in her level in the second set to see off Croatian qualifier Jana Fett 6-0 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday and extend her winning run to 36 matches. The 2018 junior champion, who exited the grasscourt Grand Slam in the fourth round last year, had the honour of opening the second day`s play on Centre Court in the absence of the retired Ash Barty who won the 2021 title. Playing her first match since winning a second French Open title this month, Poland`s Swiatek powered through the opening set without losing a game -- registering a 6-0 set for the 17th time this year -- despite a stiff breeze swirling through the main show court. A litany of unforced errors, including a double fault, however, led to Swiatek dropping serve at the start of the second set, allowing the 25-year-old Fett, ranked 252nd in the world, to get on the scoreboard. Swiatek, who played with a ribbon in Ukrainian colours pinned to her cap as she did during her Roland Garros campaign, broke back immediately -- only to hand back the advantage in her next service game. The Pole`s struggles with her delivery continued as she had to save five break points to hold serve for the first time in the second set to get to 2-3 and stay in touch with Fett. The hold seemed to spur on Swiatek and she won five games in a row to become the first women`s player in the 21st century to win 36 consecutive matches. She will meet British wildcard Sonay Kartal or Dutch lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove for a place in the third round. "It`s my first match on grass this season so I knew it`s going to be tricky," said the 21-year-old. "At the beginning of the second set I lost my focus little bit and she used that pretty well. "I am pretty happy that I came back and I could finish in two sets. I am just figuring out how to play here and trying to implement all the stuff we were practising. It`s pretty exciting, a new experience for me." *** Feisty Australian Nick Kyrgios came through a five-set first-round Wimbledon thriller against British wildcard Paul Jubb on Tuesday as his fearsome serve, including 30 aces, eventually overpowered the 22-year-old 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7(3) 7-5. It was an unexpectedly testing examination for Kyrgios as the British outsider kept his cool in the face of the Australian`s usual verbal antics, but fell just short. "It was tough, he had nothing to lose and he played exceptional tennis at times," Kyrgios said. "He`s going to be a good player for sure, I`m just happy to get through. "Playing here is a lot of fun. I talk a lot on the court but off the court I`m not too bad." Kyrgios looked pretty flat in losing the opening set to a player whose career highlight was winning the U.S. NCAA college title in 2019, and in his frustration he hammered a ball high and out of Court Three. Kyrgios is a player the word "chuntering" was invented for as he seems to need to keep up a running monologue to get himself motivated. He took great offence at a single fan uttering an almost polite boo, complaining to the umpire "You don`t accept a hat with two logos on but you accept disrespect of an athlete?". Kyrgios then complained about a line judge "reporting him" to the umpire. "Not one person has come here today to hear her speak," he said. ALSO READ | Last year's finalist Matteo Berrettini pulls out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19 The chat appeared to energise him as he began to find his range in a strong second set but Jubb refused to lie down, being edged out in the third and going toe to toe to take the fourth on the back of a strong tiebreak. The Briton, in only his second Wimbledon appearance having lost in the first round three years ago, was ice-cool in ignoring any potential distraction from Kyrgios’s running commentary, which included another extended whinge over a non-signalled net cord in the tiebreak. It is now eight years since Kyrgios stunned then world number one Rafa Nadal to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals but he has never matched that since and has reached only one other Grand Slam quarter – in Australia in 2015. The 27-year-old has slipped to world number 40 but his serve remains out of the top drawer, demonstrated when he ripped through the third game of the deciding set to love in 43 seconds before breaking Jubb. When serving for the set, however, Kyrgios stood back to admire a drop shot, only to be left stranded when Jubb brilliantly ran it down en route to his own break back. Jubb then failed to convert a break point and, serving to take the match to a decisive tiebreak, leaked a couple of shots wide to help Kyrgios secure victory. *** Coco Gauff made sure she was not thrown off course by the noisy racket created by Nick Kyrgios in a nearby court or by the fact she managed to convert only four of 25 break points as she reached the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday. With Australian hot-head Kyrgios up to his usual antics, yelling at the umpire and involved in heated exchanges with other officials during his first-round match, the commotion from Court Three might have distracted Gauff as she lost the opening seven points to Elena-Gabriela Ruse. But despite the inauspicious start, and her growing frustration in failing to convert so many break points, the 11th seed hung tough for 2-1/2 hours to seal a place in round two with a 2-6 6-3 7-5 win over the little-known Romanian. "Both of us gave our heart on court today," a beaming Gauff told the crowd after celebrating her win by thumping her chest with a clenched fist. "Court Two is a really, really nice court and I like that it`s intimate as you can hear every gasp and every cheer and I like that. "First round is always tough for me as it`s the most nerve racking... but if I lose I know it`s not the end of the world." The 18-year-old American is the youngest player in the singles draw and after her runner-up finish at the French Open this month, many are tipping her to go all the way at the All England Club. However, when she lost the opening seven points against Ruse, including surrendering her serve to love, her father and coach Corey could be seen frowning on a sun-soaked Court Two. ALSO READ | Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina will use Wimbledon prize money to rebuild parents' home after it was bombed When Gauff went on to earn and lose four break points in Ruse`s opening service game, it set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for her family. The popular teenager, who captured the world`s attention when she made it to the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old school girl in 2019, finally got a foothold in the match when she broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set before levelling at one set all. The 24-year-old Ruse fought back from 3-1 down in the final set to level at 3-3 but Gauff clung on despite continuing to misfire on break points. She needed six of them to break Ruse`s resolve in the 11th game of the decider and secured victory when her opponent whipped a forehand wide. She will next face Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Wimbledon 2022: Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios and Coco Gauff proceed ahead

Poland's Iga Swiatek has been in rollicking form in the calendar year and beat USA's Coco Gauff without dropping much sweat to claim the women's singles title in the just-concluded 2022 French Open. The world number one was at her very best as she didn't give a single chance to teenager Gauff and claimed the summit clash in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-3.

With the win, Swiatek also equalled&nbsp;the legendary Venus Williams’ record of 35 victories on the trot. After the match, she attended the presser where a question from a journalist left her speechless.&nbsp;

"Outside of the court, when you go to a party, do you use make-up? Do you like to go elegant and smart and so on?” a journalist asked. "Because many players we have seen in the past, they were staying hours in front of the mirror before going on court and using the make-up and you seem very natural like this," the journalist added.

Swiatek was rightly&nbsp;left amused by the absurd query. However, she maintained her composure and responded saying, "OK. Thank you."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-is-not-a-tournament-rafael-nadal-opines-on-future-after-winning-14th-french-open-title-485427">'Wimbledon is not a tournament...': Rafael Nadal opines on future after winning 14th French Open title</a>

Talking about the men's singles finale, Rafael Nadal defeated 23-year-old Casper Ruud in straight sets as well, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-0, to clinch his 14th French Open title and 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall.

Poland's Iga Swiatek has been in rollicking form in the calendar year and beat USA's Coco Gauff without dropping much sweat to claim the women's singles title in the just-concluded 2022 French Open.

Poland's Iga Swiatek has been in rollicking form in the calendar year and beat USA's Coco Gauff without dropping much sweat to claim the women's singles title in the just-concluded 2022 French Open. The world number one was at her very best as she didn't give a single chance to teenager Gauff and claimed the summit clash in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-3. With the win, Swiatek also equalled the legendary Venus Williams’ record of 35 victories on the trot. After the match, she attended the presser where a question from a journalist left her speechless. "Outside of the court, when you go to a party, do you use make-up? Do you like to go elegant and smart and so on?” a journalist asked. "Because many players we have seen in the past, they were staying hours in front of the mirror before going on court and using the make-up and you seem very natural like this," the journalist added. Swiatek was rightly left amused by the absurd query. However, she maintained her composure and responded saying, "OK. Thank you." ALSO READ | 'Wimbledon is not a tournament...': Rafael Nadal opines on future after winning 14th French Open title Talking about the men's singles finale, Rafael Nadal defeated 23-year-old Casper Ruud in straight sets as well, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-0, to clinch his 14th French Open title and 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall.

'Do you use make up?' French Open champion Iga Swiatek responds to absurd question by journalist

American teenager Coco Gauff rose to a career-best No. 13 in the WTA rankings on Monday after her runner-up finish to No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Gauff, an 18-year-old from Florida, jumped 10 spots by getting to her first Grand Slam final before losing to Swiatek 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday. Gauff had never been past the quarterfinals at a major tournament. She made it to the finals of singles and doubles at Roland Garros.

Her doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, moved into the singles top 10 for the first time, going from No. 11 to No. 8, thanks to her run to the quarterfinals. Like Gauff, the 28-year-old from New York lost to Swiatek, who has now won her past 35 matches in a row. Last year's French Open champion in singles and doubles, Barbora Krejcikova, lost in the first round of singles this time only the third woman in the professional era to exit in the first round at Roland Garros a year after earning the trophy and dropped from No. 2 in the rankings to No. 14. She pulled out of the doubles event two days later, saying she tested positive for COVID-19.

The French Open's effect on the rankings for both the WTA and ATP will hold sway longer than usual, because the two professional tours have announced they will not award points this year for Wimbledon, which starts on June 27. That was in response to the All England Club's decision to bar players from Russia and Belarus from the grass-court Grand Slam tournament because of the invasion of Ukraine. 
Rafael Nadal's 14th French Open title, and 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall, lifted him one place to No. 4 behind top-ranked Novak Djokovic.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hell-eat-you-alive-casper-on-his-experience-of-playing-vs-french-open-champion-rafael-nadal-in-finale-485575">'He'll eat you alive' - Casper Rudd on his experience of playing invincible Rafael Nadal in French Open final</a>

Nadal beat Djokovic in the quarterfinals along the way to the final, where he overwhelmed Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 on Sunday and became, two days after his 36th birthday, the oldest man to win the singles championship at Roland Garros ? all despite needing pain-killing injections for a chronic problem in his left foot.

Nadal has won both of this year's major titles so far, including the Australian Open in January, but his ranking is hurt by his lack of activity over the past 12 months. He played only two matches between the end of the 2021 French Open and the end of last season because of that foot, then missed more time this year because of that issue and a rib injury.

Ruud went up to a career-best No. 6 from No. 8 by reaching his first Grand Slam final.&nbsp;

American teenager Coco Gauff rose to a career-best No. 13 in the WTA rankings on Monday after her runner-up finish to No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Gauff, an 18-year-old from Florida, jumped 10 spots by getting to her first Grand Slam final before losing to Swiatek 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday.

American teenager Coco Gauff rose to a career-best No. 13 in the WTA rankings on Monday after her runner-up finish to No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Gauff, an 18-year-old from Florida, jumped 10 spots by getting to her first Grand Slam final before losing to Swiatek 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday. Gauff had never been past the quarterfinals at a major tournament. She made it to the finals of singles and doubles at Roland Garros. Her doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, moved into the singles top 10 for the first time, going from No. 11 to No. 8, thanks to her run to the quarterfinals. Like Gauff, the 28-year-old from New York lost to Swiatek, who has now won her past 35 matches in a row. Last year's French Open champion in singles and doubles, Barbora Krejcikova, lost in the first round of singles this time only the third woman in the professional era to exit in the first round at Roland Garros a year after earning the trophy and dropped from No. 2 in the rankings to No. 14. She pulled out of the doubles event two days later, saying she tested positive for COVID-19. The French Open's effect on the rankings for both the WTA and ATP will hold sway longer than usual, because the two professional tours have announced they will not award points this year for Wimbledon, which starts on June 27. That was in response to the All England Club's decision to bar players from Russia and Belarus from the grass-court Grand Slam tournament because of the invasion of Ukraine. Rafael Nadal's 14th French Open title, and 22nd Grand Slam trophy overall, lifted him one place to No. 4 behind top-ranked Novak Djokovic. ALSO READ | 'He'll eat you alive' - Casper Rudd on his experience of playing invincible Rafael Nadal in French Open final Nadal beat Djokovic in the quarterfinals along the way to the final, where he overwhelmed Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 on Sunday and became, two days after his 36th birthday, the oldest man to win the singles championship at Roland Garros ? all despite needing pain-killing injections for a chronic problem in his left foot. Nadal has won both of this year's major titles so far, including the Australian Open in January, but his ranking is hurt by his lack of activity over the past 12 months. He played only two matches between the end of the 2021 French Open and the end of last season because of that foot, then missed more time this year because of that issue and a rib injury. Ruud went up to a career-best No. 6 from No. 8 by reaching his first Grand Slam final.

Teen star Coco Gauff's rises to career-high 13th position; Rafael Nadal at 4th spot after French Open win

Iga Swiatek is unstoppable at the moment and continues to prove why she deserves to be the world&nbsp;no.1. The Polish superstar extended her winning streak to 35 matches with a stunning victory over American Coco Gauff in the women's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Saturday (June 04). It was a brilliant performance from Swiatek, who dominated the proceedings right from the start and demolished Gauff in straight sets to clinch her second French Open title.

Swiatek&nbsp;was always the favourite against 18-year-old Gaufee, who enjoyed a dream run at the French Open this year making it to the final. However, she was no match against the Polish star, who headed into the summit clash on the back of 34 consecutive wins in her last 34 matches. She dominated Gauff to clinch her 35th win on the trot.

Swiatek wrapped up the final inside just 68 minutes to win 6-1, 6-3 against the American at the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris on Saturday. She has now equalled the record of Venus Williams for the longest winning streak by a woman in tennis in the 21st century.

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Swiatek had arrived at the tournament two weeks ago as an overwhelming favourite considering her red hot form. And she proved many right in wit what was a clinical campaign with little or no setbacks. The Polish world no.1 stood tall and soaked in all the pressure to deliver once again on the big stage.

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She has now won the French Open twice in just four years. It has been a remarkable rise for her since her first Roland Garros crown in 2020. She has now won an amazing six titles in a row but there seems no stopping the force that is Swiatek as she looks forward to creating history.

Swiatek has an incredible record at French Open having lost only twice so far in 23 matches at the Roland Garros. She has a win percentage of 91% which is the third-best in the history of the women's tournament. On Saturday, she completely outplayed Gauff on her way to her second title.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/woman-protestor-disrupts-french-open-semi-final-ties-herself-to-the-net-484943">Woman protestor disrupts French Open semi-final, ties herself to the net</a>

Swiatek claimed the first set comfortably inside 32 minutes before Gauff bounced back for a bit at the start of the second set. The American teenager raced to a 2-0 lead but Swiatek returned to close the game with perfection and finesse. She wrapped it up 6-3 leaving the American almost teary-eyed at the end.

Swiatek congratulated Gauff and also thanked her team for their support throughout the campaign.&nbsp;"First of all, I just want to congratulate you (Gauff), you're doing an amazing job, I can see each month you're progressing ... When I was your age, I had my first year on tour &amp; I had no idea what I was doing, basically," she said.

Iga Swiatek is unstoppable at the moment and continues to prove why she deserves to be the world no.1. The Polish superstar extended her winning streak to 35 matches with a stunning victory over American Coco Gauff in the women's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Saturday (June 04).

Iga Swiatek is unstoppable at the moment and continues to prove why she deserves to be the world no.1. The Polish superstar extended her winning streak to 35 matches with a stunning victory over American Coco Gauff in the women's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Saturday (June 04). It was a brilliant performance from Swiatek, who dominated the proceedings right from the start and demolished Gauff in straight sets to clinch her second French Open title. Swiatek was always the favourite against 18-year-old Gaufee, who enjoyed a dream run at the French Open this year making it to the final. However, she was no match against the Polish star, who headed into the summit clash on the back of 34 consecutive wins in her last 34 matches. She dominated Gauff to clinch her 35th win on the trot. Swiatek wrapped up the final inside just 68 minutes to win 6-1, 6-3 against the American at the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris on Saturday. She has now equalled the record of Venus Williams for the longest winning streak by a woman in tennis in the 21st century. #RolandGarros | @iga_swiatek pic.twitter.com/0SJCWa4wBg — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2022 × Also Read: 'I'd prefer to lose the final': Nadal ready to sacrifice 22nd Grand Slam title for new left foot Swiatek had arrived at the tournament two weeks ago as an overwhelming favourite considering her red hot form. And she proved many right in wit what was a clinical campaign with little or no setbacks. The Polish world no.1 stood tall and soaked in all the pressure to deliver once again on the big stage. She has now won the French Open twice in just four years. It has been a remarkable rise for her since her first Roland Garros crown in 2020. She has now won an amazing six titles in a row but there seems no stopping the force that is Swiatek as she looks forward to creating history. Swiatek has an incredible record at French Open having lost only twice so far in 23 matches at the Roland Garros. She has a win percentage of 91% which is the third-best in the history of the women's tournament. On Saturday, she completely outplayed Gauff on her way to her second title. Also Read: Woman protestor disrupts French Open semi-final, ties herself to the net Swiatek claimed the first set comfortably inside 32 minutes before Gauff bounced back for a bit at the start of the second set. The American teenager raced to a 2-0 lead but Swiatek returned to close the game with perfection and finesse. She wrapped it up 6-3 leaving the American almost teary-eyed at the end. Swiatek congratulated Gauff and also thanked her team for their support throughout the campaign. "First of all, I just want to congratulate you (Gauff), you're doing an amazing job, I can see each month you're progressing ... When I was your age, I had my first year on tour & I had no idea what I was doing, basically," she said.

World no.1 Iga Swiatek demolishes Coco Gauff in straight sets to win second French Open title

Coco Gauff says she has "nothing to lose" in Saturday's French Open final against world number one Iga Swiatek, with her opponent on a 34-match winning streak and looking for a second Roland Garros title. Teenage star Gauff is the youngest Grand Slam finalist since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon 18 years ago and only graduated from high school while in Paris.

The 18-year-old has yet to drop a set in the tournament and showed few signs of nerves in her first major semi-final with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Martina Trevisan.

But she is the underdog against Poland's Swiatek, who will equal Venus Williams' record for the longest women's unbeaten run in the 21st century if she lifts the trophy.

"I think going in I have nothing to lose and she's definitely the favourite going into the match on paper," said American Gauff, who burst onto the scene by making the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019.

"I'm just going to play free and play my best tennis. I think in a Grand Slam final anything can happen.

"If I do lift the trophy, honestly, I don't think my life is going to change really. I know it sounds kind of bad to say that, but the people who love me are still going to love me regardless if I lift the trophy or not."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/woman-protestor-disrupts-french-open-semi-final-ties-herself-to-the-net-484943">Woman protestor disrupts French Open semi-final, ties herself to the net</a>

Swiatek, who herself only turned 21 on Tuesday, has enjoyed a remarkable season and is looking for a sixth successive title. The 2020 French Open champion's 6-2, 6-1 semi-final thrashing of Daria Kasatkina saw her draw level with Serena Williams' career-best winning streak from 2013.

"It's going to be tough (for her opponent)," said Russian Kasatkina after seeing her run comprehensively ended by the top seed.

"I think the mental part is going to, especially at the beginning, make a big difference.

"It's difficult when the player is moving good and then she can transition to attack mode. Then it makes it really, really tough."

Swiatek has an excellent French Open record and has become the youngest player to win 20 matches at Roland Garros since Martina Hingis in 1999. Four of Swiatek's five tournament victories this year have come at the prestigious WTA 1,000 events, but she says she still has to battle nerves before big matches.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-human-to-feel-sorry-for-alexander-zverev-says-rafael-nadal-after-injury-ends-germans-french-open-bid-484920">It's human to feel sorry for Zverev, says Nadal after injury ends German's French Open bid</a>

"I couldn't get rid of the expectations fully (in the semi-finals), but I tried to accept that, that they are going to be there and it's going to stress me a little bit more," said Swiatek, who is hoping to become the 10th multiple Roland Garros winner in the Open era.

Gauff wrote "peace, end gun violence" on a courtside TV camera after her semi-final victory and has said she wants to speak out about issues off the court.

Swiatek, though, does not think she is ready yet to use her profile to talk about political or social issues.

"I don't actually know how I want to use my platform," she said. "I haven't figured it out yet, because it's still pretty new for me.

"I feel like I really have to focus on my tennis first. When I'm going to get more experience in life generally I think it's going to be easier for me to choose the right path."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iga-swiatek-vs-coco-gauff-enrico-piperno-opines-on-high-voltage-french-open-womens-singles-final-484846">Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff: Enrico Piperno opines on high-voltage French Open women's singles final</a>

The Pole has won both of her career meetings with Gauff -- in the 2021 Rome semi-finals and in Miami earlier this year.

"I'm pretty happy that she's doing well, because I think she's also had a huge amount of pressure in her life," Swiatek said of Gauff, who is also into the women's doubles final alongside Jessica Pegula.

"When I see her, I tend to forget that she's 18."

Swiatek says she listens to classic rock music, including Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, before stepping onto court, while Gauff enjoys a hardcore rap playlist.

But there won't be a clash of styles on Court Philippe Chatrier as both players have a game based on hard-hitting from the baseline. With a combined age younger than the injured Serena Williams, this could be the first Grand Slam chapter of a long rivalry at the top of the women's game. 
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Coco Gauff says she has "nothing to lose" in Saturday's French Open final against world number one Iga Swiatek, with her opponent on a 34-match winning streak and looking for a second Roland Garros title.

Coco Gauff says she has "nothing to lose" in Saturday's French Open final against world number one Iga Swiatek, with her opponent on a 34-match winning streak and looking for a second Roland Garros title. Teenage star Gauff is the youngest Grand Slam finalist since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon 18 years ago and only graduated from high school while in Paris. The 18-year-old has yet to drop a set in the tournament and showed few signs of nerves in her first major semi-final with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Martina Trevisan. But she is the underdog against Poland's Swiatek, who will equal Venus Williams' record for the longest women's unbeaten run in the 21st century if she lifts the trophy. "I think going in I have nothing to lose and she's definitely the favourite going into the match on paper," said American Gauff, who burst onto the scene by making the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019. "I'm just going to play free and play my best tennis. I think in a Grand Slam final anything can happen. "If I do lift the trophy, honestly, I don't think my life is going to change really. I know it sounds kind of bad to say that, but the people who love me are still going to love me regardless if I lift the trophy or not." Also Read: Woman protestor disrupts French Open semi-final, ties herself to the net Swiatek, who herself only turned 21 on Tuesday, has enjoyed a remarkable season and is looking for a sixth successive title. The 2020 French Open champion's 6-2, 6-1 semi-final thrashing of Daria Kasatkina saw her draw level with Serena Williams' career-best winning streak from 2013. "It's going to be tough (for her opponent)," said Russian Kasatkina after seeing her run comprehensively ended by the top seed. "I think the mental part is going to, especially at the beginning, make a big difference. "It's difficult when the player is moving good and then she can transition to attack mode. Then it makes it really, really tough." Swiatek has an excellent French Open record and has become the youngest player to win 20 matches at Roland Garros since Martina Hingis in 1999. Four of Swiatek's five tournament victories this year have come at the prestigious WTA 1,000 events, but she says she still has to battle nerves before big matches. Also Read: It's human to feel sorry for Zverev, says Nadal after injury ends German's French Open bid "I couldn't get rid of the expectations fully (in the semi-finals), but I tried to accept that, that they are going to be there and it's going to stress me a little bit more," said Swiatek, who is hoping to become the 10th multiple Roland Garros winner in the Open era. Gauff wrote "peace, end gun violence" on a courtside TV camera after her semi-final victory and has said she wants to speak out about issues off the court. Swiatek, though, does not think she is ready yet to use her profile to talk about political or social issues. "I don't actually know how I want to use my platform," she said. "I haven't figured it out yet, because it's still pretty new for me. "I feel like I really have to focus on my tennis first. When I'm going to get more experience in life generally I think it's going to be easier for me to choose the right path." Also Read: Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff: Enrico Piperno opines on high-voltage French Open women's singles final The Pole has won both of her career meetings with Gauff -- in the 2021 Rome semi-finals and in Miami earlier this year. "I'm pretty happy that she's doing well, because I think she's also had a huge amount of pressure in her life," Swiatek said of Gauff, who is also into the women's doubles final alongside Jessica Pegula. "When I see her, I tend to forget that she's 18." Swiatek says she listens to classic rock music, including Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, before stepping onto court, while Gauff enjoys a hardcore rap playlist. But there won't be a clash of styles on Court Philippe Chatrier as both players have a game based on hard-hitting from the baseline. With a combined age younger than the injured Serena Williams, this could be the first Grand Slam chapter of a long rivalry at the top of the women's game. ×

Coco Gauff has 'nothing to lose' against world no.1 Iga Swiatek in French Open 2022 final

American tennis player Coco Gauff defeated&nbsp;Martina Trevisan 6-3, 6-1 in her semi-final match in the women's singles at the 2022 French Open, on Thursday (June 02), and used the platform to demand&nbsp;action on mass shootings in the United States&nbsp;by writing "peace, end gun violence" on a courtside TV camera.

Before sharing&nbsp;her message for gun control back at home, Gauff&nbsp;insisted that the recent tragedies mean she will treat victory or defeat with equal equanimity in the championship match, where she will face unstoppable and world number one Iga Swiatek. "Yeah it's a Grand Slam final but there are so many things going on in the world, especially in the U.S. -- I think it's not important to stress over a tennis match," she said during her on-court TV interview.

The 18-year-old Gauff&nbsp;was talking just hours following an incident where a gunman killed at least four people at a hospital building in Tulsa, Oklahoma, -- which is latest in a plethora of mass shootings across the United States in recent weeks which have made heads turn worldwide.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-vs-alexander-zverev-live-streaming-when-where-to-watch-french-open-mens-sf-match-484656">Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev, Live streaming: When &amp; where to watch French Open men's SF match?</a>

Talking about Gauff's semi-final encounter, she was at her dominant best as she wrapped up proceedings with a straight-set win over Italy's&nbsp;Trevisan. After the match, Gauff made a strong statement by making an appeal to the world to take note of the disastrous incident happening back in the US and hoped that her message will reach a wider audience.&nbsp;

"I know people globally around the world are for sure watching," Gauff stated. She stressed that she will raise her voice on her political and social issues going forward as well. The teenager added, "Since I was younger, my dad told me I could change the world with my racquet. He didn't mean that by like just playing tennis. He meant speaking out on issues like this."

American tennis player Coco Gauff defeated Martina Trevisan 6-3, 6-1 in her semi-final match in the women's singles at the 2022 French Open, on Thursday (June 02), and used the platform to demand action on mass shootings in the United States by writing "peace, end gun violence" on a courtside TV camera.

American tennis player Coco Gauff defeated Martina Trevisan 6-3, 6-1 in her semi-final match in the women's singles at the 2022 French Open, on Thursday (June 02), and used the platform to demand action on mass shootings in the United States by writing "peace, end gun violence" on a courtside TV camera. Before sharing her message for gun control back at home, Gauff insisted that the recent tragedies mean she will treat victory or defeat with equal equanimity in the championship match, where she will face unstoppable and world number one Iga Swiatek. "Yeah it's a Grand Slam final but there are so many things going on in the world, especially in the U.S. -- I think it's not important to stress over a tennis match," she said during her on-court TV interview. The 18-year-old Gauff was talking just hours following an incident where a gunman killed at least four people at a hospital building in Tulsa, Oklahoma, -- which is latest in a plethora of mass shootings across the United States in recent weeks which have made heads turn worldwide. ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev, Live streaming: When & where to watch French Open men's SF match? Talking about Gauff's semi-final encounter, she was at her dominant best as she wrapped up proceedings with a straight-set win over Italy's Trevisan. After the match, Gauff made a strong statement by making an appeal to the world to take note of the disastrous incident happening back in the US and hoped that her message will reach a wider audience. "I know people globally around the world are for sure watching," Gauff stated. She stressed that she will raise her voice on her political and social issues going forward as well. The teenager added, "Since I was younger, my dad told me I could change the world with my racquet. He didn't mean that by like just playing tennis. He meant speaking out on issues like this."

Teenage sensation Coco Gauff reacts to recent mass shootings in USA after reaching French Open final

The French Open 2022 edition has lived up to expectations so far. While the competition has intensified in the men's singles, the women's singles are also set to see a marquee finale as world number one Iga Swiatek will square off with teen sensation Coco Gauff.&nbsp;

While American tennis player Gauff is yet to lose a set in her entire campaign, Iga is in peak form since the start of the calendar year and is on a 34-match unbeaten streak. While Gauff thrashed Italy's&nbsp;Martina Trevisan-- beating her&nbsp;6-3, 6-1 in her semi-final match -- Swiatek got the better of&nbsp;Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 to storm her way into the summit clash. Thus, the stage is set for a riveting encounter between two young guns in the women's singles at the Roland Garros, on Saturday (June 04).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/teenage-sensation-coco-gauff-reacts-to-recent-mass-shootings-in-usa-after-reaching-french-open-final-484693">Teenage sensation Coco Gauff reacts to recent mass shootings in USA after reaching French Open final</a>

Ahead of the clash, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo got a chance to interact with Indian tennis coach Enrico Piperno, who opined on the women's singles finale. On the clash versus the world no. 1 vs no. 23, Piperno said, "Well, Coco came into the scene a couple of years ago. Back then, she had the tools to become a superstar. Gauff is one of those players who doesn't get heat on the court. She is very very spolid. To beat her, you got to really beat her. She seems a lot more relaxed. She has the tools to win the Grand Slam.&nbsp;

Swiatken, on the other hand, has had a terrific streak. But she will have a fall sometime. Is it going to be tomorrow, we will know....It won't be easy for Swiatek. Gauff will not go down very easily. Swiatek will have her hands full," Piperon opined.

In the men's singles, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev are engaged in a mouth-watering semi-final as the birthday boy Nadal is eyeing his 14th title at the Roland Garros. While the tennis fraternity is closely following Nadal's journey, the crowd and tournament favourite, many have eyes glued on the women's singles final as well, which is set to go down to the wire.&nbsp;

The French Open 2022 edition has lived up to expectations so far. While the competition has intensified in the men's singles, the women's singles are also set to see a marquee finale as world number one Iga Swiatek will square off with teen sensation Coco Gauff.

The French Open 2022 edition has lived up to expectations so far. While the competition has intensified in the men's singles, the women's singles are also set to see a marquee finale as world number one Iga Swiatek will square off with teen sensation Coco Gauff. While American tennis player Gauff is yet to lose a set in her entire campaign, Iga is in peak form since the start of the calendar year and is on a 34-match unbeaten streak. While Gauff thrashed Italy's Martina Trevisan-- beating her 6-3, 6-1 in her semi-final match -- Swiatek got the better of Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 to storm her way into the summit clash. Thus, the stage is set for a riveting encounter between two young guns in the women's singles at the Roland Garros, on Saturday (June 04). ALSO READ | Teenage sensation Coco Gauff reacts to recent mass shootings in USA after reaching French Open final Ahead of the clash, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo got a chance to interact with Indian tennis coach Enrico Piperno, who opined on the women's singles finale. On the clash versus the world no. 1 vs no. 23, Piperno said, "Well, Coco came into the scene a couple of years ago. Back then, she had the tools to become a superstar. Gauff is one of those players who doesn't get heat on the court. She is very very spolid. To beat her, you got to really beat her. She seems a lot more relaxed. She has the tools to win the Grand Slam. Swiatken, on the other hand, has had a terrific streak. But she will have a fall sometime. Is it going to be tomorrow, we will know....It won't be easy for Swiatek. Gauff will not go down very easily. Swiatek will have her hands full," Piperon opined. In the men's singles, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev are engaged in a mouth-watering semi-final as the birthday boy Nadal is eyeing his 14th title at the Roland Garros. While the tennis fraternity is closely following Nadal's journey, the crowd and tournament favourite, many have eyes glued on the women's singles final as well, which is set to go down to the wire.

Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff: Enrico Piperno opines on high-voltage French Open women's singles final

Jannik Sinner saved five match points before advancing past Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the third round of the Miami Open on Sunday, while second seed Alexander Zverev enjoyed a much smoother path to the last 16.

Carreno Busta had Sinner on the ropes in the 10th game of the second set, nearly breaking him for the match before the Italian recovered to hold serve and convert on a chance in the next game.

They traded breaks in the third before a marathon 10th game in which the Spaniard almost broke his opponent for the win four times.

World number 11 Sinner survived and converted on a chance in the next game to seize the advantage. Serving for the match, he clinched the affair with a forehand winner as the crowd leapt to its feet and cheered.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-hubert-hurkacz-on-course-for-title-defence-medvedev-topples-murray-naomi-osaka-gets-walkover-465902">Miami Open: Hubert Hurkacz on course for title defence, Medvedev topples Murray, Naomi Osaka gets walkover</a>

The 2021 runner-up next faces Australian Nick Kyrgios, who put in a clinical performance to down Italian Fabio Fognini 6-2 6-4, dropping just five first-serve points.

Zverev made short work of American Mackenzie McDonald, winning 6-2 6-2 in 73 minutes to set up a last 16 meeting with Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, who came through a tight contest against Denis Kudla 7-6(5) 4-6 7-6(4).

Also reaching the next round was Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Gael Monfils 6-2 6-3, but it was the end of the road for his younger brother, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who lost 6-3 6-2 to Frances Tiafoe.

GAUFF ADVANCES

American Coco Gauff kept alive her bid for a maiden WTA 1000 title, firing off five aces to overcome China's Zhang Shuai 7-6(1) 7-5.

"I just kind of mentally was hanging in there. I wasn't playing my best," Gauff told reporters. "I knew it was going to be a tough match, and I was glad that I was able to pull it out today."

British number one Cameron Norrie overcame a slow start to beat Frenchman Hugo Gaston 6-3 7-5.

Norrie, who triumphed at Indian Wells last year and won at Delray Beach five weeks ago, opened the contest by dropping serve but kept his nerve as three break points went begging in the next game before he finally converted the fourth.

Norrie fired down his seventh ace on his eighth match point to set up a meeting with world number eight Casper Ruud, who has beaten the Briton on both of their previous meetings.

Ruud dispatched Alexander Bublik 6-3 6-2 in less than an hour and had the best seat in the house when his Kazakh opponent produced a highlight-reel-worthy shot in the second set.

Bublik flipped his racquet over and tapped an overhead shot with the handle.

"You will be on Tennis TV like always," Ruud quipped to Bublik.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-nick-kyrgios-storms-into-second-round-naomi-osaka-wins-first-match-since-heckling-incident-465131">Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident</a>

Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa scored a 6-3 6-2 win over Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva, who was so frustrated with her display she slammed her racquet into the ground with such force that it flew back up and almost hit her.

Last year's Indian Wells champion Badosa next faces 16-year-old Czech wildcard Linda Fruhvirtova, who advanced after former world number one Victoria Azarenka retired midway through the second set.

Fruhvirtova was leading 6-2 3-0 when Azarenka informed the chair umpire that she was done and walked briskly off the court.

"I don't even know how to describe it," Fruhvirtova said courtside. "It's what I've always dreamed of, playing in these big stadiums in front of so many people.

"It's definitely a dream come true."

Jannik Sinner saved five match points before advancing past Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the third round of the Miami Open on Sunday, while second seed Alexander Zverev enjoyed a much smoother path to the last 16.

Jannik Sinner saved five match points before advancing past Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the third round of the Miami Open on Sunday, while second seed Alexander Zverev enjoyed a much smoother path to the last 16. Carreno Busta had Sinner on the ropes in the 10th game of the second set, nearly breaking him for the match before the Italian recovered to hold serve and convert on a chance in the next game. They traded breaks in the third before a marathon 10th game in which the Spaniard almost broke his opponent for the win four times. World number 11 Sinner survived and converted on a chance in the next game to seize the advantage. Serving for the match, he clinched the affair with a forehand winner as the crowd leapt to its feet and cheered. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Hubert Hurkacz on course for title defence, Medvedev topples Murray, Naomi Osaka gets walkover The 2021 runner-up next faces Australian Nick Kyrgios, who put in a clinical performance to down Italian Fabio Fognini 6-2 6-4, dropping just five first-serve points. Zverev made short work of American Mackenzie McDonald, winning 6-2 6-2 in 73 minutes to set up a last 16 meeting with Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, who came through a tight contest against Denis Kudla 7-6(5) 4-6 7-6(4). Also reaching the next round was Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Gael Monfils 6-2 6-3, but it was the end of the road for his younger brother, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who lost 6-3 6-2 to Frances Tiafoe. GAUFF ADVANCES American Coco Gauff kept alive her bid for a maiden WTA 1000 title, firing off five aces to overcome China's Zhang Shuai 7-6(1) 7-5. "I just kind of mentally was hanging in there. I wasn't playing my best," Gauff told reporters. "I knew it was going to be a tough match, and I was glad that I was able to pull it out today." British number one Cameron Norrie overcame a slow start to beat Frenchman Hugo Gaston 6-3 7-5. Norrie, who triumphed at Indian Wells last year and won at Delray Beach five weeks ago, opened the contest by dropping serve but kept his nerve as three break points went begging in the next game before he finally converted the fourth. Norrie fired down his seventh ace on his eighth match point to set up a meeting with world number eight Casper Ruud, who has beaten the Briton on both of their previous meetings. Ruud dispatched Alexander Bublik 6-3 6-2 in less than an hour and had the best seat in the house when his Kazakh opponent produced a highlight-reel-worthy shot in the second set. Bublik flipped his racquet over and tapped an overhead shot with the handle. "You will be on Tennis TV like always," Ruud quipped to Bublik. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Nick Kyrgios storms into second round, Naomi Osaka wins first match since heckling incident Spanish fifth seed Paula Badosa scored a 6-3 6-2 win over Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva, who was so frustrated with her display she slammed her racquet into the ground with such force that it flew back up and almost hit her. Last year's Indian Wells champion Badosa next faces 16-year-old Czech wildcard Linda Fruhvirtova, who advanced after former world number one Victoria Azarenka retired midway through the second set. Fruhvirtova was leading 6-2 3-0 when Azarenka informed the chair umpire that she was done and walked briskly off the court. "I don't even know how to describe it," Fruhvirtova said courtside. "It's what I've always dreamed of, playing in these big stadiums in front of so many people. "It's definitely a dream come true."

Miami Open: Jannik Sinner saves five match points to beat Carreno Busta; Coco Gauff, Cameron Norrie advance

Experience trumped youth as former champion Sloane Stephens` deadly forehand sealed fellow American Coco Gauff`s fate 6-4 6-2 in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday. 
 
The pair appeared evenly matched early on but the 17-year-old Gauff handed Stephens a critical break with a double fault on the last point in the ninth game and never regained the momentum from her 28-year-old opponent. 
 
In the second set, Gauff failed to convert the only break point opportunity she had against the 2017 champion, who had eight forehand winners across the one hour and six minute meeting on Arthur Ashe Stadium. 
 
"The forehand was key today," Stephens said "I wanted to come out here and really execute and play my game." 
 
Stephens won the last seven points in a row, as she dominated from the baseline and had a two break advantage headed into the final game. 
 
Stephens got 84% of her first serves in across the match. Gauff committed four double faults. 
 
"Serving that high percentage for me is always really key just because I can get into the points and I can start off aggressive with me dictating play, which is what I want to do," said Stephens. 
 
The off-court friends hugged at the net after the match and Stephens heaped praise on the 23rd-ranked Gauff, a fan favourite at Flushing Meadows who reached the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros earlier this year, the best major performance of her career. 
 
"I love Coco, I think everyone knows I love Coco," said Stephens. "I`ve seen her game really transition and change ... I know there`s going to be great things ahead for her." 
 
In the third round she faces either Anhelina Kalinina or 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, whose second-round match was postponed on Wednesday due to inclement weather.

Experience trumped youth as former champion Sloane Stephens` deadly forehand sealed fellow American Coco Gauff`s fate 6-4 6-2 in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday.

Experience trumped youth as former champion Sloane Stephens` deadly forehand sealed fellow American Coco Gauff`s fate 6-4 6-2 in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday. The pair appeared evenly matched early on but the 17-year-old Gauff handed Stephens a critical break with a double fault on the last point in the ninth game and never regained the momentum from her 28-year-old opponent. In the second set, Gauff failed to convert the only break point opportunity she had against the 2017 champion, who had eight forehand winners across the one hour and six minute meeting on Arthur Ashe Stadium. "The forehand was key today," Stephens said "I wanted to come out here and really execute and play my game." Stephens won the last seven points in a row, as she dominated from the baseline and had a two break advantage headed into the final game. Stephens got 84% of her first serves in across the match. Gauff committed four double faults. "Serving that high percentage for me is always really key just because I can get into the points and I can start off aggressive with me dictating play, which is what I want to do," said Stephens. The off-court friends hugged at the net after the match and Stephens heaped praise on the 23rd-ranked Gauff, a fan favourite at Flushing Meadows who reached the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros earlier this year, the best major performance of her career. "I love Coco, I think everyone knows I love Coco," said Stephens. "I`ve seen her game really transition and change ... I know there`s going to be great things ahead for her." In the third round she faces either Anhelina Kalinina or 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, whose second-round match was postponed on Wednesday due to inclement weather.

US Open: Former champion Stephens sends teen sensation Gauff packing in second round

American teen sensation Coco Gauff has entered the elite list of tennis stars, who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics. The 17-year-old said that she had tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-roger-federer-to-serena-williams-tennis-aces-who-are-set-to-miss-tokyo-olympics-398188" hreflang="en">From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics</a>

"I'm disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won't be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo," world number 25 Gauff, who was going to compete in both the singles and doubles competitions, said on Twitter.

"It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future."

Gauff was set to become the youngest Olympic tennis player since 2000 to play in the coveted tournament, however, she will pull out of it due to the infection.&nbsp;

Several stars in the world of tennis like Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics and have cited different reasons.&nbsp;

The highly-anticipated Tokyo Games will kick off on Friday after the Summer Games were pushed by year due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Inputs from Agency)

American teen sensation Coco Gauff has entered the elite list of tennis stars, who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics. The 17-year-old said that she had tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

American teen sensation Coco Gauff has entered the elite list of tennis stars, who have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics. The 17-year-old said that she had tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. ALSO READ: From Roger Federer to Serena Williams: Tennis aces who are set to miss Tokyo Olympics "I'm disappointed to share the news that I have tested positive for COVID and won't be able to play in the Olympic Games in Tokyo," world number 25 Gauff, who was going to compete in both the singles and doubles competitions, said on Twitter. "It has always been a dream of mine to represent the USA at the Olympics, and I hope there will be many more chances for me to make this come true in the future." Gauff was set to become the youngest Olympic tennis player since 2000 to play in the coveted tournament, however, she will pull out of it due to the infection. Several stars in the world of tennis like Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios have pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics and have cited different reasons. The highly-anticipated Tokyo Games will kick off on Friday after the Summer Games were pushed by year due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Inputs from Agency)

Tennis: American ace Coco Gauff tests positive for COVID-19, pulls out of Tokyo Olympics

American teenager Coco Gauff reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final with a crushing 6-3 6-1 defeat of Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday.

The 17-year-old capitalized on a nervous start by Jabeur and never let her opponent off the hook in a clinical display.

Jabeur, like Gauff a former junior French Open champion, tried to mix things up with her trademark drop shots but nothing could disrupt Gauff's flow.

Gauff wrapped up the win in less than an hour on her fourth match point and is yet to drop a set in the tournament.

She will face Czech Barbora Krejcikova, who swept Sloane Stephens aside 6-2 6-0, for a place in the semis.

"Very happy to reach my first quarter-final, I played really well today," 24th seed Gauff said on court.

American teenager Coco Gauff reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final with a crushing 6-3 6-1 defeat of Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday.

American teenager Coco Gauff reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final with a crushing 6-3 6-1 defeat of Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday. The 17-year-old capitalized on a nervous start by Jabeur and never let her opponent off the hook in a clinical display. Jabeur, like Gauff a former junior French Open champion, tried to mix things up with her trademark drop shots but nothing could disrupt Gauff's flow. Gauff wrapped up the win in less than an hour on her fourth match point and is yet to drop a set in the tournament. She will face Czech Barbora Krejcikova, who swept Sloane Stephens aside 6-2 6-0, for a place in the semis. "Very happy to reach my first quarter-final, I played really well today," 24th seed Gauff said on court.

French Open: Coco Gauff dominates Ons Jabeur to reach the quarter-final

American teen sensation Coco Gauff will aim to reach the last-16 of the French Open for the first time in her fledgling career on Saturday when she takes on compatriot Jennifer Brady.

Gauff, 17, has excelled on the European claycourt swing over the last month, with a semi-final run at the Italian Open followed by only her second WTA title at Emilia-Romagna Open.

The 24th seed improved her record for 2021 to 23-9 with her third-round win.

Only world number one Ash Barty, Aryna Sabalenka, and Veronika Kudermetova -- all of them already out of the French Open this week -- has won more matches this season.

Gauff, however, faces her first big test of the tournament in Brady, who made her breakthrough this season with a runner-up finish at the Australian Open.

In their only previous meeting, Brady beat Gauff 6-2 6-4 last August in the Lexington semi-final.

In the day's other all-American clash, last year's finalist Sofia Kenin will take on 28th seed Jessica Pegula.

While the women's draw has already lost its top three seeds, Iga Swiatek has looked comfortable in her role of defending champion, dropping just seven games in her opening two rounds.

"I just realized that I can actually play (here) without any expectations," Swiatek said ahead of her third-round match against Estonia's Anett Kontaveit. "Because there are many stories when after going to a tournament as a defending champion players have some issues.

"I just told myself, there may be a situation that you're not gonna play as well as you did the last couple of years in Paris, so just, relax and we're gonna see what's gonna happen."

In the men's draw, Rafa Nadal will continue his pursuit of a 14th Roland Garros title against Briton Cameron Norrie, while world number one Novak Djokovic will look to stretch his winning head-to-head record over Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis to 4-0.

Swiss great Roger Federer is bidding to reach the last-16 of a Grand Slam for a record-extending 68th time when he meets Germany's Dominik Koepfer.

American teen sensation Coco Gauff will aim to reach the last-16 of the French Open for the first time in her fledgling career on Saturday when she takes on compatriot Jennifer Brady.

American teen sensation Coco Gauff will aim to reach the last-16 of the French Open for the first time in her fledgling career on Saturday when she takes on compatriot Jennifer Brady. Gauff, 17, has excelled on the European claycourt swing over the last month, with a semi-final run at the Italian Open followed by only her second WTA title at Emilia-Romagna Open. The 24th seed improved her record for 2021 to 23-9 with her third-round win. Only world number one Ash Barty, Aryna Sabalenka, and Veronika Kudermetova -- all of them already out of the French Open this week -- has won more matches this season. Gauff, however, faces her first big test of the tournament in Brady, who made her breakthrough this season with a runner-up finish at the Australian Open. In their only previous meeting, Brady beat Gauff 6-2 6-4 last August in the Lexington semi-final. In the day's other all-American clash, last year's finalist Sofia Kenin will take on 28th seed Jessica Pegula. While the women's draw has already lost its top three seeds, Iga Swiatek has looked comfortable in her role of defending champion, dropping just seven games in her opening two rounds. "I just realized that I can actually play (here) without any expectations," Swiatek said ahead of her third-round match against Estonia's Anett Kontaveit. "Because there are many stories when after going to a tournament as a defending champion players have some issues. "I just told myself, there may be a situation that you're not gonna play as well as you did the last couple of years in Paris, so just, relax and we're gonna see what's gonna happen." In the men's draw, Rafa Nadal will continue his pursuit of a 14th Roland Garros title against Briton Cameron Norrie, while world number one Novak Djokovic will look to stretch his winning head-to-head record over Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis to 4-0. Swiss great Roger Federer is bidding to reach the last-16 of a Grand Slam for a record-extending 68th time when he meets Germany's Dominik Koepfer.

Tennis: Coco Gauff gears up for biggest clay test against Jennifer Brady

American teenager Coco Gauff on Thursday revealed that she struggled with depression, for around a year, amid the extreme hype surrounding her and the mental pressure brought on by her rapid rise in the world of tennis. Gauff said that she had to rediscover herself and her love for the game after suffering from depression for almost a year.

The 16-year-old has taken the tennis world by storm due to her talent and sheer athleticism on the court. Gauff had enjoyed a splendid run since July 2019 when she qualified to the fourth round of Wimbledon in what was her first-ever major championship appearance.&nbsp;

Continuing her blistering rise in the tennis world, Gauff also reached the fourth round of Australian Open, on her debut, while breaking into the top 50 in the WTA rankings as she became the first 15-year-old old to achieve the feat in 15 years.&nbsp;

“Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want,” Gauff wrote in a post for Behind The Racquet.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B--kAqng-fo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Repost from @behindtheracquet “Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want. It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast. Once I let that all go, I started to have the results I wanted. Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved. I realized I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far. Even though I had, it felt like there weren’t many friends there for me. When you are in that dark mindset you don’t look on the bright side of things too often, which is the hardest part. I don’t think it had much to do with tennis, maybe just about juggling it all. I knew that I wanted to play tennis but didn’t know how I wanted to go about it. It went so far that I was thinking about possibly taking a year off to just focus on life. Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost. I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did. It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever. Everyone asks me how I stay calm on court and I think it’s because I accepted who I am after overcoming low points in my life. Now, when I’m on court, I am just really thankful to be out there. Personally for me, I like playing for more than myself. One of the biggest things is to continue breaking barriers. At the same time I don’t like being compared to Serena or Venus. First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up. It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols. With all their accolades I shouldn’t be put in the same group yet. Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them.” @cocogauff Go to behindtheracquet.com for extended</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cocogauff/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Coco Gauff</a> (@cocogauff) on <time datetime="2020-04-14T22:10:15+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 14, 2020 at 3:10pm PDT</time>
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“It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast.

“Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved.

“I realised I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far.”

“Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost,” she said. “I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-might-be-a-good-idea-to-look-at-quarantine-facility-for-olympic-hopefuls-pullela-gopichand-opens-up-on-postponed-games-and-more-292727" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on postponed Games and more</a>

“It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever.”

Gauff has been hailed as a long-term successor to legend Serena Williams. Gauff stated that while she is getting used to being a role model for people, she doesn’t like being compared to Serena or her sister Venus.

Gauff said it is not fair to compare her with the Williams sister as she still looks at them as her idols.&nbsp;

“First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up,” she added.

“It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols.

“Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them.

“I would never have even thought about joining tennis, without them a part of it, since there were very few African Americans in the sport.”

American teenager Coco Gauff on Thursday revealed that she struggled with depression, for around a year, amid the extreme hype surrounding her and the mental pressure brought on by her rapid rise in the world of tennis.

American teenager Coco Gauff on Thursday revealed that she struggled with depression, for around a year, amid the extreme hype surrounding her and the mental pressure brought on by her rapid rise in the world of tennis. Gauff said that she had to rediscover herself and her love for the game after suffering from depression for almost a year. The 16-year-old has taken the tennis world by storm due to her talent and sheer athleticism on the court. Gauff had enjoyed a splendid run since July 2019 when she qualified to the fourth round of Wimbledon in what was her first-ever major championship appearance. Continuing her blistering rise in the tennis world, Gauff also reached the fourth round of Australian Open, on her debut, while breaking into the top 50 in the WTA rankings as she became the first 15-year-old old to achieve the feat in 15 years. “Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want,” Gauff wrote in a post for Behind The Racquet. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff, from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic View this post on Instagram Repost from @behindtheracquet “Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want. It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast. Once I let that all go, I started to have the results I wanted. Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved. I realized I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far. Even though I had, it felt like there weren’t many friends there for me. When you are in that dark mindset you don’t look on the bright side of things too often, which is the hardest part. I don’t think it had much to do with tennis, maybe just about juggling it all. I knew that I wanted to play tennis but didn’t know how I wanted to go about it. It went so far that I was thinking about possibly taking a year off to just focus on life. Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost. I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did. It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever. Everyone asks me how I stay calm on court and I think it’s because I accepted who I am after overcoming low points in my life. Now, when I’m on court, I am just really thankful to be out there. Personally for me, I like playing for more than myself. One of the biggest things is to continue breaking barriers. At the same time I don’t like being compared to Serena or Venus. First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up. It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols. With all their accolades I shouldn’t be put in the same group yet. Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them.” @cocogauff Go to behindtheracquet.com for extended A post shared by Coco Gauff (@cocogauff) on Apr 14, 2020 at 3:10pm PDT × “It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast. “Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved. “I realised I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far.” “Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost,” she said. “I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on postponed Games and more “It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever.” Gauff has been hailed as a long-term successor to legend Serena Williams. Gauff stated that while she is getting used to being a role model for people, she doesn’t like being compared to Serena or her sister Venus. Gauff said it is not fair to compare her with the Williams sister as she still looks at them as her idols. “First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up,” she added. “It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols. “Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them. “I would never have even thought about joining tennis, without them a part of it, since there were very few African Americans in the sport.”

'It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying': Coco Gauff reveals struggle with depression and extreme pressure

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tennis-news-australian-open-serena-williams- crashes-out-in-third-round-after-a-shocker-276265">Serena Williams</a> enters her fourth decade as a Fed Cup player with the United States on Friday and Saturday as the 2020 qualifiers get underway.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-sports-news-sofia-kenin-makes-fierce-comeback-to-beat-garbine-muguruza-to-win-her-first-grand-slam-at-australian-open-278021">Sofia Kenin fights back to beat Garbine Muguruza in Australian Open final</a>

The 38-year-old icon teams with newly-crowned Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and teenage star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../gauffs-melbourne-run-brought-to-an-end-by- kenin-276624">Coco Gauff</a> as the US tackle Latvia in Everett, Washington.

In total, there are eight ties with the winners earning places in the new-look Fed Cup finals in Budapest from April 15-17 where 2019 champions France, runners-up Australia, hosts Hungary and wildcard Czech Republic will be waiting.

Three talking points ahead of this week's qualifiers:

It was back in 1999 that Serena Williams made her Fed Cup debut in a semi-final win over Italy.

Teammate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../ash-barty-loses-semi-final-to-sofia-kenin-dream -of-winning-aussie-open-shattered-277523">Sofia Kenin</a> was just eight months old while Coco Gauff was still almost five years away from being born.

Williams has a 100 per cent record in singles in the Fed Cup, winning 13 out of 13 rubbers.

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One of the greatest to ever wear the red, white, and blue.<a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serenawilliams</a> hits the practice courts for <a href="https://twitter.com/FedCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedCup</a> Qualifying in Everett, WA. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamUSATennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamUSATennis</a>🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/gtcIpqXEwQ">pic.twitter.com/gtcIpqXEwQ</a>
— USTA (@usta) <a href="https://twitter.com/usta/status/1225064031012171786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, despite her longevity, her relationship with the tournament has been very much on-off, playing only in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018.

Kenin, now the top-ranked US player at seven in the world after her stunning Grand Slam breakthrough in&nbsp;Melbourne, has a Fed Cup singles record of 1-3 while 15-year-old Gauff has yet to make her debut.

&nbsp;Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is making her first Fed Cup appearance since helping Japan defeat Great Britain in the 2018 World Group II play-offs.&nbsp;

The world number 10 has won five out of six singles ties she has contested since her 2017 debut.

However, Japan, whose best Fed Cup run was a semi-final spot in 1996, have a tough task this weekend, facing Spain in La Manga.

The tie is on clay, easily playing into the comfort zone of a Spain team led by Carla Suarez Navarro, her nation's top player in the absence of Australian Open runner-up Garbine Muguruza.

It will be an emotional week for 31-year-old Suarez Navarro as the world number 55 is in her final season as a professional, 12 years after her Fed Cup bow.

Spain are five-time champions, behind the USA (18), Czech Republic (10) and Australia (seven) on the all-time list.

Places at the Tokyo Olympics are also up for grabs on Friday and Saturday in the eight ties.

Under Fed Cup rules, players are required to be part of a nominated team on at least three occasions in a four-year Olympic cycle.

That excludes players who have represented their nation 20 or more times in their careers, who must be nominated on at least two occasions in the Olympic cycle.&nbsp;

Crucially for this week, all players must be nominated at least once in the 2019-20 cycle.

Serena was 2012 Olympic champion in London while Rio 2016 gold medallist Monica Puig comfortably fulfils the basic qualifying criteria despite a current lowly world ranking of 83.

Serena Williams enters her fourth decade as a Fed Cup player with the United States on Friday and Saturday as the 2020 qualifiers get underway. Also read: Sofia Kenin fights back to beat Garbine Muguruza in Australian Open final The 38-year-old icon teams with newly-crowned Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and teenage star Coco Gauff as the US tackle Latvia in Everett, Washington.

Serena Williams enters her fourth decade as a Fed Cup player with the United States on Friday and Saturday as the 2020 qualifiers get underway. Also read: Sofia Kenin fights back to beat Garbine Muguruza in Australian Open final The 38-year-old icon teams with newly-crowned Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and teenage star Coco Gauff as the US tackle Latvia in Everett, Washington. In total, there are eight ties with the winners earning places in the new-look Fed Cup finals in Budapest from April 15-17 where 2019 champions France, runners-up Australia, hosts Hungary and wildcard Czech Republic will be waiting. Three talking points ahead of this week's qualifiers: It was back in 1999 that Serena Williams made her Fed Cup debut in a semi-final win over Italy. Teammate Sofia Kenin was just eight months old while Coco Gauff was still almost five years away from being born. Williams has a 100 per cent record in singles in the Fed Cup, winning 13 out of 13 rubbers. One of the greatest to ever wear the red, white, and blue.@serenawilliams hits the practice courts for @FedCup Qualifying in Everett, WA. #TeamUSATennis🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gtcIpqXEwQ — USTA (@usta) February 5, 2020 × However, despite her longevity, her relationship with the tournament has been very much on-off, playing only in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018. Kenin, now the top-ranked US player at seven in the world after her stunning Grand Slam breakthrough in Melbourne, has a Fed Cup singles record of 1-3 while 15-year-old Gauff has yet to make her debut. Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is making her first Fed Cup appearance since helping Japan defeat Great Britain in the 2018 World Group II play-offs. The world number 10 has won five out of six singles ties she has contested since her 2017 debut. However, Japan, whose best Fed Cup run was a semi-final spot in 1996, have a tough task this weekend, facing Spain in La Manga. The tie is on clay, easily playing into the comfort zone of a Spain team led by Carla Suarez Navarro, her nation's top player in the absence of Australian Open runner-up Garbine Muguruza. It will be an emotional week for 31-year-old Suarez Navarro as the world number 55 is in her final season as a professional, 12 years after her Fed Cup bow. Spain are five-time champions, behind the USA (18), Czech Republic (10) and Australia (seven) on the all-time list. Places at the Tokyo Olympics are also up for grabs on Friday and Saturday in the eight ties. Under Fed Cup rules, players are required to be part of a nominated team on at least three occasions in a four-year Olympic cycle. That excludes players who have represented their nation 20 or more times in their careers, who must be nominated on at least two occasions in the Olympic cycle. Crucially for this week, all players must be nominated at least once in the 2019-20 cycle. Serena was 2012 Olympic champion in London while Rio 2016 gold medallist Monica Puig comfortably fulfils the basic qualifying criteria despite a current lowly world ranking of 83.

Serena Williams enters fourth decade as Fed Cup player as young guns shine

American Sofia Kenin ended teen sensation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-never-give-up-says-gauff-as-she-bows-out-of-wimbledon-234181">Coco Gauff's</a> run at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-shocker-defending-champion-naomi-osaka-knocked-out-by-coco-gauff-276368">Australian Open</a> on Sunday with a 6-7(5) 6-3 6-0 victory to reach her first career Grand Slam quarter-final.

The 15-year-old Gauff, who had beaten defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-defending-champion-osaka-set-to-face-15-year-old-gauff-276051">Naomi Osaka</a> in her previous match and seven-times Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in her opener, rallied from a break down to win the opening set in a tiebreaker.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gauff-15-stuns-venus-williams-in-australian-open-first-round-275417">Gauff, 15, stuns Venus Williams in Australian Open first round</a>

<img alt="Kenin and Gauff" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ecb3f0a9-2e4b-457a-b5e2-07a974ae6acb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2892%29.jpg" /> 
[ Sofia Kenin and Coco Gauff (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

While Gauff enjoyed most of the support at the packed Melbourne Arena, Kenin, the 14th seed, fought her way back into the match and got the crucial break in the second set when Gauff served three double faults in the fourth game.

The unforced errors kept mounting for Gauff in the third set as Kenin broke her three times to secure her place in the quarter-finals against either China's Wang Qiang or Ons Jabeur of Tunisia.

&nbsp;

American Sofia Kenin ended teen sensation Coco Gauff's run at the Australian Open on Sunday with a 6-7(5) 6-3 6-0 victory to reach her first career Grand Slam quarter-final.

American Sofia Kenin ended teen sensation Coco Gauff's run at the Australian Open on Sunday with a 6-7(5) 6-3 6-0 victory to reach her first career Grand Slam quarter-final. The 15-year-old Gauff, who had beaten defending champion Naomi Osaka in her previous match and seven-times Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in her opener, rallied from a break down to win the opening set in a tiebreaker. Also Read: Gauff, 15, stuns Venus Williams in Australian Open first round [ Sofia Kenin and Coco Gauff (Courtesy: Reuters) ] While Gauff enjoyed most of the support at the packed Melbourne Arena, Kenin, the 14th seed, fought her way back into the match and got the crucial break in the second set when Gauff served three double faults in the fourth game. The unforced errors kept mounting for Gauff in the third set as Kenin broke her three times to secure her place in the quarter-finals against either China's Wang Qiang or Ons Jabeur of Tunisia.

Gauff's Melbourne run brought to an end by Kenin

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racquet-kicking-osaka-admits-she-was-a-bit-childish-275957">Australian Open: After kicking racket, Osaka admits she was 'a bit childish'</a>

The match in US Open was later headlined by the consolation given by Osaka to Gauff after she beat her in the third round.

Australian Open debutant Gauff is looking forward to the re-match against the defending champion Osaka.&nbsp;

Coco Gauff defeated former World No 1, Venus Williams, in the first round in straight sets. She came back from behind in the second round, after losing the first set to Sorona Cirstea, the 15-year-old American managed to secure the next two sets to proceed to the next round. The scoreline in the second round as 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Whereas Naomi Osaka, despite her childish tantrum in the second round, found it easy to till now to reach the third round.&nbsp;

She beat Marie Bouzková and Zheng Saisai in first and second round respectively in straight sets.&nbsp;

World No 3 Naomi Osaka will look forward to securing a second consecutive Australian Open Title. Whereas, the debutant Coco Gauff is playing her third Grand Slam, will eye a maiden Grand Slam win.&nbsp;

The match will take place on Friday.&nbsp;

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0.

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0. Also read- Australian Open: After kicking racket, Osaka admits she was 'a bit childish' The match in US Open was later headlined by the consolation given by Osaka to Gauff after she beat her in the third round. Australian Open debutant Gauff is looking forward to the re-match against the defending champion Osaka. Coco Gauff defeated former World No 1, Venus Williams, in the first round in straight sets. She came back from behind in the second round, after losing the first set to Sorona Cirstea, the 15-year-old American managed to secure the next two sets to proceed to the next round. The scoreline in the second round as 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Whereas Naomi Osaka, despite her childish tantrum in the second round, found it easy to till now to reach the third round. She beat Marie Bouzková and Zheng Saisai in first and second round respectively in straight sets. World No 3 Naomi Osaka will look forward to securing a second consecutive Australian Open Title. Whereas, the debutant Coco Gauff is playing her third Grand Slam, will eye a maiden Grand Slam win. The match will take place on Friday.

Australian Open: Defending champion Osaka set to face 15-year-old Gauff

Title-holder Naomi Osaka was stunned by 15-year-old Salm debutant and American Coco Gauff. Gauff is having a dream run in the tournament after beating the mighty Venus Williams in the first round, she now has beaten World No &nbsp;3 Naomi Osaka in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.&nbsp;

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Gracious in defeat 🇯🇵<a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naomiosaka</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/lJLQmJK6M5">pic.twitter.com/lJLQmJK6M5</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220643414422802432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Coco in a way avenged her massive defeat she faced against Osaka last year, the Japanese tennis ace previously thrashed the American in the US Open in 2019.&nbsp;

Gauff was in complete disbelief as she beat Naomi Osaka. "I'm on Rod Laver Arena, I can't believe this."

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> still has time for the fans after her massive win<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/wyrB71TAP7">pic.twitter.com/wyrB71TAP7</a>
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Gauff was shocked by her achievement, saying: "Two years ago I lost the first round in juniors, and now I'm here. This is crazy."

Gauff told the reporter in the post-match press conference about her mantra "I was just telling myself one point at a time and keep fighting because you never know what happens on this court."

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📚 15 year-old <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a>'s teachers are giving her an extension on some assignments "considering the circumstances." 
 
We're grateful for the flexibility too! 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/tVpWCtqygA">pic.twitter.com/tVpWCtqygA</a>
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Naomi Osaka congratulated young Gauff by hugging her. She was disappointed with her form in the match today.&nbsp;

"I don't really have the champion mentality yet, which is someone that can deal with not playing 100 per cent (but still win)," said Osaka.

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⭐⭐⭐ 
 
The moment when rising star <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> clinched match point against 2019 champion Naomi Osaka.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@channel9</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVDOlvNEl8">pic.twitter.com/zVDOlvNEl8</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220638875623792640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She was disappointed in losing to a fifteen-year-old, "You don't want to lose to a 15-year-old,".

Title-holder Naomi Osaka was stunned by 15-year-old Salm debutant and American Coco Gauff. Gauff is having a dream run in the tournament after beating the mighty Venus Williams in the first round, she now has beaten World No 3 Naomi Osaka in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

Title-holder Naomi Osaka was stunned by 15-year-old Salm debutant and American Coco Gauff. Gauff is having a dream run in the tournament after beating the mighty Venus Williams in the first round, she now has beaten World No 3 Naomi Osaka in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. Gracious in defeat 🇯🇵@naomiosaka | #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/lJLQmJK6M5 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020 × Coco in a way avenged her massive defeat she faced against Osaka last year, the Japanese tennis ace previously thrashed the American in the US Open in 2019. Gauff was in complete disbelief as she beat Naomi Osaka. "I'm on Rod Laver Arena, I can't believe this." .@CocoGauff still has time for the fans after her massive win#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/wyrB71TAP7 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020 × Gauff was shocked by her achievement, saying: "Two years ago I lost the first round in juniors, and now I'm here. This is crazy." Gauff told the reporter in the post-match press conference about her mantra "I was just telling myself one point at a time and keep fighting because you never know what happens on this court." 📚 15 year-old @CocoGauff's teachers are giving her an extension on some assignments "considering the circumstances." We're grateful for the flexibility too! 🙏#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/tVpWCtqygA — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020 × Naomi Osaka congratulated young Gauff by hugging her. She was disappointed with her form in the match today. "I don't really have the champion mentality yet, which is someone that can deal with not playing 100 per cent (but still win)," said Osaka. ⭐⭐⭐ The moment when rising star @CocoGauff clinched match point against 2019 champion Naomi Osaka.#AO2020 | #AusOpen | @channel9 | @espn pic.twitter.com/zVDOlvNEl8 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020 × She was disappointed in losing to a fifteen-year-old, "You don't want to lose to a 15-year-old,".

Australian Open shocker: Defending champion Naomi Osaka knocked out by Coco Gauff

Returning from retirement to a competitive sport is a test of mental and physical strength; it is also on part of the sportsperson a sign of positive intent and true passion.

After a seven-year hiatus, four-time Grand Slam champion Belgium’s Kim Clijsters is ready to set an example which might inspire mothers who quit playing to take care of their kids.

Clijsters announced to the world that she will return to competitive tennis next year, but at the age of 36, is a winning comeback still possible?&nbsp;

"I don't really feel like I want to prove something," Clijsters said on the Women's Tennis Association Insider Podcast. "I think for me it's the challenge," she added.

Really? But why is winning not the ultimate goal? After all, fans come to watch for nail-biting finishes and clashes to remember.

Clijsters is not new to the retirement phenomena, the former US Open champion had initially retired way back in 2007 when she was just 23.&nbsp;

However, she made a return two years later post-childbirth. After that, she hung up her racquet again in 2012.

Mentioning fellow mums Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, who have also made comebacks, Clijsters said she is inspired to play at the highest level on one of the toughest individual women's sports in the world.

At an age when most players deal with injuries and surgeries, the former world No-1 is trying to relive her Slam-winning moments.

In an era dominated by teenagers like Bianca Andreescu, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty, her comeback is not going to be easy.

Besides familiar foes of her time, Clijsters will be up against dynamic teens she has never faced before. Losing to a teen may not go down well with her hard-won legacy at the elite level of women’s tennis.

Unlike men's tennis, WTA has seen many emerging faces lately. Although Clijsters said that she has nothing to prove and insisted that she won't play anything like a full season but still the first-round exits, if it happens will hurt her.

The history of “comeback” stories in women tennis is not exceptional. Serena Williams has to some extent impressed as she managed to play three Grand Slam finals since returning after having a baby two years ago.&nbsp;

Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, on the other hand, have all failed to flourish since returning to the game.&nbsp;

Clijsters had mentioned conditions on her availability as she said, "My head has to be clear for me to be able to leave the kids behind and to go to practice."

She also asserted that she does not want her kid's routine to change and also that she does not want to be away from her family for much more than a couple of weeks at a time.

It will be interesting to see how far Clijsters will go but if she is returning just for fun, then she is most welcome, but as far as serious top-level tennis is concerned that is another matter.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Returning from retirement to a competitive sport is a test of mental and physical strength; it is also on part of the sportsperson a sign of positive intent and true passion.

Returning from retirement to a competitive sport is a test of mental and physical strength; it is also on part of the sportsperson a sign of positive intent and true passion. After a seven-year hiatus, four-time Grand Slam champion Belgium’s Kim Clijsters is ready to set an example which might inspire mothers who quit playing to take care of their kids. Clijsters announced to the world that she will return to competitive tennis next year, but at the age of 36, is a winning comeback still possible? "I don't really feel like I want to prove something," Clijsters said on the Women's Tennis Association Insider Podcast. "I think for me it's the challenge," she added. Really? But why is winning not the ultimate goal? After all, fans come to watch for nail-biting finishes and clashes to remember. Clijsters is not new to the retirement phenomena, the former US Open champion had initially retired way back in 2007 when she was just 23. However, she made a return two years later post-childbirth. After that, she hung up her racquet again in 2012. Mentioning fellow mums Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, who have also made comebacks, Clijsters said she is inspired to play at the highest level on one of the toughest individual women's sports in the world. At an age when most players deal with injuries and surgeries, the former world No-1 is trying to relive her Slam-winning moments. In an era dominated by teenagers like Bianca Andreescu, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty, her comeback is not going to be easy. Besides familiar foes of her time, Clijsters will be up against dynamic teens she has never faced before. Losing to a teen may not go down well with her hard-won legacy at the elite level of women’s tennis. Unlike men's tennis, WTA has seen many emerging faces lately. Although Clijsters said that she has nothing to prove and insisted that she won't play anything like a full season but still the first-round exits, if it happens will hurt her. The history of “comeback” stories in women tennis is not exceptional. Serena Williams has to some extent impressed as she managed to play three Grand Slam finals since returning after having a baby two years ago. Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, on the other hand, have all failed to flourish since returning to the game. Clijsters had mentioned conditions on her availability as she said, "My head has to be clear for me to be able to leave the kids behind and to go to practice." She also asserted that she does not want her kid's routine to change and also that she does not want to be away from her family for much more than a couple of weeks at a time. It will be interesting to see how far Clijsters will go but if she is returning just for fun, then she is most welcome, but as far as serious top-level tennis is concerned that is another matter. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

At 36, comeback queen Kim Clijsters will find it difficult against Biancas and Osakas of women tennis

Defending champion Naomi Osaka brought American teen Coco Gauff's captivating US&nbsp;Open run to a swift end with a 6-3, 6-0 win on Saturday to secure her spot in the fourth round.

World number one Osaka, who backed up last year's New York triumph with a win at the Australian Open but has since had an up-and-down season, simply overwhelmed her 15-year-old opponent in the marquee matchup under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights.

"For me, I think this was the most focused I've been since Australia," Osaka said in an on-court interview, with Gauff standing beside her. "So, sorry for playing you with this type of mentality."

Gauff, who stunned the tennis world by reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, committed seven double faults and was error-prone throughout the match.

Osaka set the tone early in the most hyped match of the tournament so far as the 21-year-old Japanese consolidated an early break for a 3-0 lead.

Gauff, in only her sixth Grand Slam match, then fired back-to-back aces to finally get on the board and from there the two exchanged breaks over the next four games before Osaka recovered from 0-30 to serve out the set.

Gauff, still unable to find any rhythm on her serve, made a pair of double faults en route to gifting Osaka a break to open the second set before the Japanese rallied back from 0-40 to consolidate for a 2-0 lead and then raced home from there.

At the end of the 65-minute match, Osaka approached an emotional Gauff at the side of the court, where the two embraced and spoke for a few minutes.

"She told me that I did amazing and good luck and then she asked if I could do the on-court interview with her and I said no because I knew I would cry the whole time but she encouraged me to do it," said Gauff.

"It was amazing. She did amazing and I am going to learn a lot from this match."

Up next for Osaka will be Swiss 13th seed Belinda Bencic, who beat Estonian Anett Kontaveit earlier on Saturday.

Defending champion Naomi Osaka brought American teen Coco Gauff's captivating US Open run to a swift end with a 6-3, 6-0 win on Saturday to secure her spot in the fourth round.

Defending champion Naomi Osaka brought American teen Coco Gauff's captivating US Open run to a swift end with a 6-3, 6-0 win on Saturday to secure her spot in the fourth round. World number one Osaka, who backed up last year's New York triumph with a win at the Australian Open but has since had an up-and-down season, simply overwhelmed her 15-year-old opponent in the marquee matchup under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights. "For me, I think this was the most focused I've been since Australia," Osaka said in an on-court interview, with Gauff standing beside her. "So, sorry for playing you with this type of mentality." Gauff, who stunned the tennis world by reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, committed seven double faults and was error-prone throughout the match. Osaka set the tone early in the most hyped match of the tournament so far as the 21-year-old Japanese consolidated an early break for a 3-0 lead. Gauff, in only her sixth Grand Slam match, then fired back-to-back aces to finally get on the board and from there the two exchanged breaks over the next four games before Osaka recovered from 0-30 to serve out the set. Gauff, still unable to find any rhythm on her serve, made a pair of double faults en route to gifting Osaka a break to open the second set before the Japanese rallied back from 0-40 to consolidate for a 2-0 lead and then raced home from there. At the end of the 65-minute match, Osaka approached an emotional Gauff at the side of the court, where the two embraced and spoke for a few minutes. "She told me that I did amazing and good luck and then she asked if I could do the on-court interview with her and I said no because I knew I would cry the whole time but she encouraged me to do it," said Gauff. "It was amazing. She did amazing and I am going to learn a lot from this match." Up next for Osaka will be Swiss 13th seed Belinda Bencic, who beat Estonian Anett Kontaveit earlier on Saturday.

US Open 2019: Holder Naomi Osaka beats Coco Gauff to enter fourth round

Serena Williams is usually playing in the matches that thrill her most, but she's going to join a host of fans in watching Saturday's US Open third round showdown between teen sensation Coco Gauff and top-ranked defending champion Naomi Osaka.

The blockbuster night matchup at Arthur Ashe Stadium pits 15-year-old American Gauff, who made a fourth-round Wimbledon run in her Grand Slam debut, against 21-year-old Japanese star Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion.

"I definitely think it's the future of women's tennis," Williams said.

"And I'm really excited to just be a fangirl and kind of watch."&nbsp;

Williams, the 37-year-old American chasing a 24th Grand Slam title to match Margaret Court's all-time record, sees them as the hottest young talents in the game.

"It will be a really interesting match. I think it's super exciting tennis," she said.

"Coco is much younger than Naomi if you could say that, because Naomi is incredibly young."&nbsp;

Even world number one and defending men's champion Novak Djokovic can't wait to see what Gauff and Osaka do.

"Coco is definitely a new superstar of tennis. It's great to see her fighting spirit, her intensity," Djokovic said.

"She's only 15. She brings so much maturity in her game for such a young age. It's very impressive.

"Definitely a fan of her and fan of Naomi, as well, what she has done in the last couple of years. It's going to be really interesting because they're both very likeable players and girls. They have a lot of fans. It's going to be definitely a great match."&nbsp;

Gauff, the youngest player in the US Open third round since Russia's Anna Kournikova in 1996, prepared to face Osaka by joining partner Caty McNally for a first-round doubles victory Friday.

'Sky is the limit'

Gauff teamed up with 17-year-old compatriot McNally to beat Germany's Julia Goerges and Czech Katerina Siniakova 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 and said the doubles helped prepare her for Osaka.

"I think it helped me a lot to practice several serves," she said.

"You have to hit a lot of different shots in doubles. I think it will come in handy tomorrow."&nbsp;

Gauff and McNally won last year's US Open junior girls doubles title and united for their first WTA doubles crown earlier this month at Washington.

"I dream of winning singles and doubles Grand Slam titles," Gauff said. She's hoping to make a dream come true this week.

"We've had good chemistry since the first match," said McNally, a second-round singles loser to Williams.

"The sky is the limit for us," Gauff says being teens help their on-court bond.

"We're both young and still learning," Gauff said.

"We can relate to each other on and off the court and our communication is really good." A huge crowd watched the match on an outer court, Gauff having become a fan favourite quickly.

"Both of us were really feeding on the crowd," Gauff said.

Such support doesn't surprise Williams.

"She's just incredibly talented. Anyone that's 15 playing like that, people are going to be drawn to them," Williams said.

"I think that's pretty awesome. I think she's really pretty cool. I love her excitement on the court. I'm a big fan of hers.

Serena Williams is usually playing in the matches that thrill her most, but she's going to join a host of fans in watching Saturday's US Open third round showdown between teen sensation Coco Gauff and top-ranked defending champion Naomi Osaka.

Serena Williams is usually playing in the matches that thrill her most, but she's going to join a host of fans in watching Saturday's US Open third round showdown between teen sensation Coco Gauff and top-ranked defending champion Naomi Osaka. The blockbuster night matchup at Arthur Ashe Stadium pits 15-year-old American Gauff, who made a fourth-round Wimbledon run in her Grand Slam debut, against 21-year-old Japanese star Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion. "I definitely think it's the future of women's tennis," Williams said. "And I'm really excited to just be a fangirl and kind of watch." Williams, the 37-year-old American chasing a 24th Grand Slam title to match Margaret Court's all-time record, sees them as the hottest young talents in the game. "It will be a really interesting match. I think it's super exciting tennis," she said. "Coco is much younger than Naomi if you could say that, because Naomi is incredibly young." Even world number one and defending men's champion Novak Djokovic can't wait to see what Gauff and Osaka do. "Coco is definitely a new superstar of tennis. It's great to see her fighting spirit, her intensity," Djokovic said. "She's only 15. She brings so much maturity in her game for such a young age. It's very impressive. "Definitely a fan of her and fan of Naomi, as well, what she has done in the last couple of years. It's going to be really interesting because they're both very likeable players and girls. They have a lot of fans. It's going to be definitely a great match." Gauff, the youngest player in the US Open third round since Russia's Anna Kournikova in 1996, prepared to face Osaka by joining partner Caty McNally for a first-round doubles victory Friday. 'Sky is the limit' Gauff teamed up with 17-year-old compatriot McNally to beat Germany's Julia Goerges and Czech Katerina Siniakova 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 and said the doubles helped prepare her for Osaka. "I think it helped me a lot to practice several serves," she said. "You have to hit a lot of different shots in doubles. I think it will come in handy tomorrow." Gauff and McNally won last year's US Open junior girls doubles title and united for their first WTA doubles crown earlier this month at Washington. "I dream of winning singles and doubles Grand Slam titles," Gauff said. She's hoping to make a dream come true this week. "We've had good chemistry since the first match," said McNally, a second-round singles loser to Williams. "The sky is the limit for us," Gauff says being teens help their on-court bond. "We're both young and still learning," Gauff said. "We can relate to each other on and off the court and our communication is really good." A huge crowd watched the match on an outer court, Gauff having become a fan favourite quickly. "Both of us were really feeding on the crowd," Gauff said. Such support doesn't surprise Williams. "She's just incredibly talented. Anyone that's 15 playing like that, people are going to be drawn to them," Williams said. "I think that's pretty awesome. I think she's really pretty cool. I love her excitement on the court. I'm a big fan of hers.

Serena Williams excited for Coco-Osaka - 'future of women's tennis'

Crowd-pleaser Coco Gauff came through a tough battle with qualifier Timea Babos 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 on Thursday to set up a third-round clash at the US&nbsp;Open against top seed and defending champion Naomi Osaka.

The 15-year-old American phenom was forced to dig deep to become the youngest player since Anna Kournikova in 1996 to reach the third round of the women's singles at Flushing Meadows.

"I was tested a lot. I think we both were just testing each other," Gauff said. "It’s just that type of match where anyone could have won."

Gauff rode into this year's tournament with enormous expectations after a dream run at Wimbledon where she beat five-times champion Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round.

On Thursday, the two players were evenly matched for most of the contest, with Gauff maintaining a slightly tighter performance and committing 34 unforced errors compared to 42 from Hungarian Babos.

It was another comeback for Gauff, who worked her way back from a one-set deficit in her first-round match, and the young upstart showed off her fighting instincts after failing to fend off a critical breakpoint late in the second set.

"I thought that the first set, I definitely was in control. In the second set, she raised her level and I wasn't able to finish the set," Gauff said.

A fired up Gauff prevailed after a 12-stroke rally late in the third set to set up a breakpoint opportunity, pumping her fists wildly and shouting in the excitement in front of a packed crowd that was firmly on her side.

"I couldn’t even see any empty seats!" Gauff said of the crowd, which included retired NBA star Kobe Bryant.

"I don’t even know how to really thank you guys. I’m super honoured to be American and play in New York City."

Gauff will face off against 21-year-old Osaka, who also holds the Australian Open title, in the third round of the tournament on Saturday in a clash that may provide a glimpse at the future of the women's game.

"Obviously she's an amazing player," said Gauff. "She's defending champion. She's won two slams. She's number one. She's only 21.

"We're both pretty young. But I'm a little bit newer to the game. So I'm just curious to see how my game matches up against her."

Crowd-pleaser Coco Gauff came through a tough battle with qualifier Timea Babos 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 on Thursday to set up a third-round clash at the US Open against top seed and defending champion Naomi Osaka.

Crowd-pleaser Coco Gauff came through a tough battle with qualifier Timea Babos 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 on Thursday to set up a third-round clash at the US Open against top seed and defending champion Naomi Osaka. The 15-year-old American phenom was forced to dig deep to become the youngest player since Anna Kournikova in 1996 to reach the third round of the women's singles at Flushing Meadows. "I was tested a lot. I think we both were just testing each other," Gauff said. "It’s just that type of match where anyone could have won." Gauff rode into this year's tournament with enormous expectations after a dream run at Wimbledon where she beat five-times champion Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round. On Thursday, the two players were evenly matched for most of the contest, with Gauff maintaining a slightly tighter performance and committing 34 unforced errors compared to 42 from Hungarian Babos. It was another comeback for Gauff, who worked her way back from a one-set deficit in her first-round match, and the young upstart showed off her fighting instincts after failing to fend off a critical breakpoint late in the second set. "I thought that the first set, I definitely was in control. In the second set, she raised her level and I wasn't able to finish the set," Gauff said. A fired up Gauff prevailed after a 12-stroke rally late in the third set to set up a breakpoint opportunity, pumping her fists wildly and shouting in the excitement in front of a packed crowd that was firmly on her side. "I couldn’t even see any empty seats!" Gauff said of the crowd, which included retired NBA star Kobe Bryant. "I don’t even know how to really thank you guys. I’m super honoured to be American and play in New York City." Gauff will face off against 21-year-old Osaka, who also holds the Australian Open title, in the third round of the tournament on Saturday in a clash that may provide a glimpse at the future of the women's game. "Obviously she's an amazing player," said Gauff. "She's defending champion. She's won two slams. She's number one. She's only 21. "We're both pretty young. But I'm a little bit newer to the game. So I'm just curious to see how my game matches up against her."

Fighting Coco sets up Naomi Osaka showdown at US Open

US Open 2019: Here are major headlines from Day 4

Teenage sensation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-simona-halep-ends-cori-gauffs-fairytale-run-234093">Coco Gauff</a> says she hopes that one thing her adoring fans at Wimbledon have learned about her in the past week is she is a "fighter" and "never gives up".

The 15-year-old's hopes of moving into the quarter-finals were hindered by a stomach complaint in her 6-3, 6-3 loss to Simona Halep in the last 16.

She leaves, though, having turned herself into a media darling, signficantly improved her ranking from 313 and left her mark as a potential Grand Slam winner of the future. &nbsp;

However, even though Gauff, the youngest ever qualifier in the women's singles, who had then dispensed with three opponents including five-time champion Venus Williams, was more subdued following her defeat she still had a spark. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I hope they (the crowd and her opponents) learned about me that I'm a fighter," she said.

"I'll never give up."

Gauff, who endearingly described herself on Friday as both "goofy and weird", said she hoped she had served as an example to many who were dreaming of making it in tennis.

"I hope they learned from me that, I mean, anything is possible if you work hard, just continue to dream big," she said.

"I mean, like I said, if somebody told me this maybe three weeks ago, I probably wouldn't believe it.

"But I think just putting in the work definitely raised my confidence because I knew how hard I worked and I knew what shots I could make and what was possible."

Gauff, who refused to blame playing seven matches in the past fortnight for her loss, said overall it had been an extraordinary ride.

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The No.1 Court crowd rises to acknowledge all the excitement <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> has given us 🤗 
 
And remember - this is just the beginning... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/UBiOYSxPeU">pic.twitter.com/UBiOYSxPeU</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1148244437757321216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I'd be like, that's crazy," she said.

"I mean, I lost second round of qualifying in Paris.

"Now I made it to the second week. I'm super proud of myself.

"I'm excited to see what I'll do at US Open and the next couple tournaments coming up."

Gauff, whose parents father Corey, who first coached her, and mother Candi looked on concerned for her when she had the trainer and the doctor on in the second set, had said last year she would go to college although she hinted the attraction of the professional tennis career also appealed.

This may become something of a debate within the Gauff household.

"Well, I'm going to do it online," she said.

"I still want to go to college. Kind of like a requirement, I guess, from my parents.

"Obviously I'm still going to be playing professional.

"I'm definitely going to take some online courses.

"I'm still fairly new to high school, so I haven't figured all that out yet."&nbsp;

- 'Shape my personality' - 
Gauff attracted attention from the unlikeliest sources during her run -- Beyonce's mother, fashion designer Tina Knowles, posted on Instagram and former US First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted about her -- and she said her role models on and off court were all women.

"Beyonce, Rihanna, Michelle Obama," she said.

"It's many people.

"The list goes on. I mostly look up to the females because, you know... I have a lot of on-court and off-court role models.

"I would say the off-court role models shape my personality a lot, then the on-court role models kind of shape my game."

Gauff, whose one bone of contention with her parents was they went off to a Beyonce concert in Miami leaving her to babysit earlier this year, said she had been taken aback by some of the people who had posted about her.

"She's (Michelle Obama) such a role model," she said.

"I mean, I was really shocked. I wasn't expecting that.

"That was probably one of the least expected.

"Some of the celebrities that tweeted me I didn't even know followed tennis.

"They probably don't follow tennis, but it's crazy how big this has gotten."

Gauff, who is going to take time off the constant attention by going on a mini-break with her family, said the support she had received from the crowd had been astonishing.&nbsp;

"I really did feel like I was probably playing in New York somewhere," she said.

Teenage sensation Coco Gauff says she hopes that one thing her adoring fans at Wimbledon have learned about her in the past week is she is a "fighter" and "never gives up".

Teenage sensation Coco Gauff says she hopes that one thing her adoring fans at Wimbledon have learned about her in the past week is she is a "fighter" and "never gives up". The 15-year-old's hopes of moving into the quarter-finals were hindered by a stomach complaint in her 6-3, 6-3 loss to Simona Halep in the last 16. She leaves, though, having turned herself into a media darling, signficantly improved her ranking from 313 and left her mark as a potential Grand Slam winner of the future. However, even though Gauff, the youngest ever qualifier in the women's singles, who had then dispensed with three opponents including five-time champion Venus Williams, was more subdued following her defeat she still had a spark. "I hope they (the crowd and her opponents) learned about me that I'm a fighter," she said. "I'll never give up." Gauff, who endearingly described herself on Friday as both "goofy and weird", said she hoped she had served as an example to many who were dreaming of making it in tennis. "I hope they learned from me that, I mean, anything is possible if you work hard, just continue to dream big," she said. "I mean, like I said, if somebody told me this maybe three weeks ago, I probably wouldn't believe it. "But I think just putting in the work definitely raised my confidence because I knew how hard I worked and I knew what shots I could make and what was possible." Gauff, who refused to blame playing seven matches in the past fortnight for her loss, said overall it had been an extraordinary ride. The No.1 Court crowd rises to acknowledge all the excitement @CocoGauff has given us 🤗 And remember - this is just the beginning... #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/UBiOYSxPeU — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2019 × "I'd be like, that's crazy," she said. "I mean, I lost second round of qualifying in Paris. "Now I made it to the second week. I'm super proud of myself. "I'm excited to see what I'll do at US Open and the next couple tournaments coming up." Gauff, whose parents father Corey, who first coached her, and mother Candi looked on concerned for her when she had the trainer and the doctor on in the second set, had said last year she would go to college although she hinted the attraction of the professional tennis career also appealed. This may become something of a debate within the Gauff household. "Well, I'm going to do it online," she said. "I still want to go to college. Kind of like a requirement, I guess, from my parents. "Obviously I'm still going to be playing professional. "I'm definitely going to take some online courses. "I'm still fairly new to high school, so I haven't figured all that out yet." - 'Shape my personality' - Gauff attracted attention from the unlikeliest sources during her run -- Beyonce's mother, fashion designer Tina Knowles, posted on Instagram and former US First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted about her -- and she said her role models on and off court were all women. "Beyonce, Rihanna, Michelle Obama," she said. "It's many people. "The list goes on. I mostly look up to the females because, you know... I have a lot of on-court and off-court role models. "I would say the off-court role models shape my personality a lot, then the on-court role models kind of shape my game." Gauff, whose one bone of contention with her parents was they went off to a Beyonce concert in Miami leaving her to babysit earlier this year, said she had been taken aback by some of the people who had posted about her. "She's (Michelle Obama) such a role model," she said. "I mean, I was really shocked. I wasn't expecting that. "That was probably one of the least expected. "Some of the celebrities that tweeted me I didn't even know followed tennis. "They probably don't follow tennis, but it's crazy how big this has gotten." Gauff, who is going to take time off the constant attention by going on a mini-break with her family, said the support she had received from the crowd had been astonishing. "I really did feel like I was probably playing in New York somewhere," she said.

I never give up, says Coco Gauff as she bows out of Wimbledon

Coco Gauff's dream Wimbledon run came to an abrupt end on Monday when the consistency of seventh seed and former world number one Simona Halep proved a step too far for the 15-year-old American, who went down 6-3, 6-3 in only 75 minutes.

After stunning Venus Williams then saving two match points en route to beating Polona Hercog last week, Gauff was suddenly the hottest ticket in town but she was always going to find it tough against Halep, last year's French Open champion and the first top-10 opponent she had ever faced.

Bidding to become the youngest Wimbledon quarter-finalist since fellow-15-year-old Jennifer Capriati in 1991, Gauff was by no means overawed, keeping the crowd entertained with some crashing backhands and athletic recoveries, but there were also far too many simple errors that the American was never going to get away with at this stage of the tournament.

Halep, who had given an indication of her form when dismissing the dangerous Victoria Azarenka in the last round, initially struggled, including in the third game where she sent down three successive double faults.

But Gauff was even more inconsistent, mixing up some superb shots with some pretty awful ones.

Halep then began to find her range and quickly realised that she did not need to take too many risks, keeping the ball in play, accepting that the occasional winner would whistle past her but more often winning the point via a Gauff mistake.

That was enough to take the first set and the pattern continued, with more emphasis in a quickfire second.

Medical Treatment

Gauff, who needed courtside medical treatment between the sets, started to snatch at her shots and became too loose while Halep did what she needed to as the American racked up a total of 45 unforced errors in the match.

Gauff did save two match points when serving at 5-2 down but this time it was only a temporary reprieve as Halep finished her off in the next game.

The Romanian will now face China's Shuai Zhang in the quarter-finals and, with the bottom half of the draw looking wide open, Halep has a great chance of going on to make the final for the first time.

"I am really happy I can play in the quarter-finals again, it's one of my favourite tournaments," Halep said.

"I am not comparing myself with last year, that was the best because I won the French Open, but I want to win every match I play."

Gauff, who came to the tournament via a qualifying competiton wildcard and ranked 313, can also expect to be challenging in the second week again in the future, and has won a legion of new fans.

"Your journey is far from over," tweeted tennis great Billie Jean-King. "Looking forward to watching your future successes on and off the court. #Big fan."

Coco Gauff's dream Wimbledon run came to an abrupt end on Monday when the consistency of seventh seed and former world number one Simona Halep proved a step too far for the 15-year-old American, who went down 6-3, 6-3 in only 75 minutes.

Coco Gauff's dream Wimbledon run came to an abrupt end on Monday when the consistency of seventh seed and former world number one Simona Halep proved a step too far for the 15-year-old American, who went down 6-3, 6-3 in only 75 minutes. After stunning Venus Williams then saving two match points en route to beating Polona Hercog last week, Gauff was suddenly the hottest ticket in town but she was always going to find it tough against Halep, last year's French Open champion and the first top-10 opponent she had ever faced. Bidding to become the youngest Wimbledon quarter-finalist since fellow-15-year-old Jennifer Capriati in 1991, Gauff was by no means overawed, keeping the crowd entertained with some crashing backhands and athletic recoveries, but there were also far too many simple errors that the American was never going to get away with at this stage of the tournament. Halep, who had given an indication of her form when dismissing the dangerous Victoria Azarenka in the last round, initially struggled, including in the third game where she sent down three successive double faults. But Gauff was even more inconsistent, mixing up some superb shots with some pretty awful ones. Halep then began to find her range and quickly realised that she did not need to take too many risks, keeping the ball in play, accepting that the occasional winner would whistle past her but more often winning the point via a Gauff mistake. That was enough to take the first set and the pattern continued, with more emphasis in a quickfire second. Medical Treatment Gauff, who needed courtside medical treatment between the sets, started to snatch at her shots and became too loose while Halep did what she needed to as the American racked up a total of 45 unforced errors in the match. Gauff did save two match points when serving at 5-2 down but this time it was only a temporary reprieve as Halep finished her off in the next game. The Romanian will now face China's Shuai Zhang in the quarter-finals and, with the bottom half of the draw looking wide open, Halep has a great chance of going on to make the final for the first time. "I am really happy I can play in the quarter-finals again, it's one of my favourite tournaments," Halep said. "I am not comparing myself with last year, that was the best because I won the French Open, but I want to win every match I play." Gauff, who came to the tournament via a qualifying competiton wildcard and ranked 313, can also expect to be challenging in the second week again in the future, and has won a legion of new fans. "Your journey is far from over," tweeted tennis great Billie Jean-King. "Looking forward to watching your future successes on and off the court. #Big fan."

Wimbledon: Simona Halep ends Coco Gauff's fairytale run

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