Coco Gauff inspired by Iga Swiatek exploits with 'extra motivation' ahead of French Open - Madrid Open Diary

Since she exploded onto the scene as a 15-year-old qualifier knocking out Venus Williams en route to the Wimbledon fourth round three years ago, the narrative surrounding Coco Gauff has been heavily linked to her age. Every Gauff stat began with “the youngest since” or “the youngest to”, as the American phenom confounded the tennis world with her early-career achievements.

Ad/> Now 18 years old and ranked 16 in the world, Gauff’s age is becoming less of a talking point, especially considering the world No.1, Iga Swiatek, is only 20. WTA MadridHalep sets up Jabeur quarter-final after battling past Gauff, Bencic out16 HOURS AGO “It definitely takes the pressure off,” Gauff told Eurosport on the sidelines of the Madrid Open this week.

“I feel like my age is a big thing that people were talking about but I think for me, we’re all on the court, we’re all going to the same lines, the same balls, the same everything. “Age, yes, does play a factor a little bit with experience or maybe physically, but Iga being No.1 definitely gives a little extra motivation knowing that she can accomplish it at such a young age in the sport, and maybe you think that you can do it too.” ‘Her maturity level is off the charts’ The irony is that when you’re actually speaking to Gauff, the last thing you will think about is her age.

The Floridian is well-versed and mature beyond her years. During the Middle East swing earlier this season, the 28-year-old Jessica Pegula played doubles with Gauff and recalls being shocked when hearing her compatriot was only 17 at the time.

“How is she so young? I feel like she’s been around for so long too and it’s just crazy,” Pegula told Eurosport in Dubai. “It’s amazing what she’s doing, she moves so well and her