'It's what I want for myself' - Coco Gauff reveals 'mentality' shift in pursuit of being the 'greatest'

Coco Gauff has revealed that she now has a true desire to be the «greatest» after a shift in «perspective» at the French Open. Gauff has enjoyed an outstanding 2022, reaching her maiden Grand Slam singles final on the Paris clay and rising to the top of the doubles world rankings. Ad The 18-year-old was beaten by Iga Swiatek in June at Roland-Garros, but is hoping for more major success at the US Open, which begins on August 29.

US Open'I have actually improved as a player' — Raducanu in confident mood ahead of US Open20/08/2022 AT 09:06 The American's idol Serena Williams is set to bow out of tennis at the year's final Grand Slam in New York, but having once looked to emulate the 23-time Grand Slam singles winner on court, Gauff is now keen to forge her own path. «I had a perspective shift in Paris,» Gauff told ESPN. «I realised life is so much more than tennis and winning and losing.

This life is enjoyable. I don't want to regret not having as much fun as I could have because I was worried about results.» «My goals are the same. But the mentality behind them is different.

I want to enjoy the tough moments. »For a long time, I was stepping onto the court trying to be the next great American whatever, the next Serena. «But that's not why I play tennis.

I used to say I wanted to be the greatest because that's what people wanted to hear. Now I say it because it's what I want for myself.» Gauff is preparing for her fourth appearance at her «favourite Slam» at Flushing Meadows. In 2019, a then-15-year-old Gauff reached the third round on debut at the tournament.