Gauff ready for first singles Grand Slam final and Swiatek challenge

Coco Gauff believes she's now ready for the challenge of playing in a singles Grand Slam final and taking on world No 1 Iga Swiatek.

Gauff and Swiatek will meet on Saturday afternoon on Court Philippe-Chatrier in a bid to secure the 2022 French Open women's title.

The 18-year-old is yet to drop a set at this year's French Open and is the youngest Roland Garros finalist since Kim Clijsters in 2001.

Having burst on to the scene aged 15 at Wimbledon three years ago, when she beat Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round, Gauff believes she is now ready to win a major title and insists it would not change her.

"I think that version [of me] was ready to win a Slam, but I think she almost wanted it too much, that she put way too much pressure on herself," Gauff said about her younger self.

"Now, I'm definitely ready to win one, but I'm not putting pressure on myself to win one. I think there's a fine line between believing in yourself and almost pushing yourself too much.

"If I do lift the trophy, honestly, I don't think my life is going to change really.

"I mean, I know it sounds kind of bad to say that, but the people who love me are still going to love me regardless of if I lift the trophy or not."

The 18-year-old American also believes that she was destined to meet Swiatek in the French Open final - although perhaps not so early in her career.

The pair know each other through their time in the junior ranks, and almost met in the Roland Garros girls' final four years ago.

Gauff, who won that title, explained: "I was actually preparing to play her in the final, and then she had a match point against my usual doubles partner, Caty McNally.

"Caty saved a match point against her and I ended up playing Caty in the final.

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