Coco Gauff raises US Open worry towards ‘legend’ as Williams makes emotions clear
Coco Gauff shared her pleasure about dealing with Caroline Wozniacki on the US Open in what’s the Dane’s first Grand Slam match since leaving retirement. But the 19-year-old was additionally conscious that the previous world No 1 would know her recreation very nicely after spending years watching her from the sidelines. And Wozniacki will have the ability to rely on the help of her good buddy Serena Williams, who has been cheering the 33-year-old on from house.
Gauff will face an opponent she by no means anticipated to play on Sunday as she takes on Grand Slam champion Wozniacki for a spot within the US Open quarter-final. The former world No 1 retired on the 2020 Australian Open and made a return to tennis final month – three-and-a-half years and two kids later.
The 19-year-old is relishing the prospect to face an opponent she sees as a “legend” as she assessed the upcoming match. “I don’t think she’s going to give me anything,” Gauff mentioned. “She’s obviously one of those players that was a great mover when she played. She got a lot of balls back, so I’m expecting long rallies.”
The world No 6 had additionally observed a change in Wozniacki’s recreation because the Dane returned to the game final month. She added: “Also I’ve watched her last couple matches this week. I think she’s playing a little bit more aggressive I guess compared to when she was starting, before she won Australia. I think she played that tournament really well.
“Yeah, it’s going to be interesting. I never thought I would ever be in this position, especially after she retired and came back. But she’s still like a really fit player. She looked like she was striking the ball today pretty clean, especially after I was watching her match the last couple sets against Jenny [Brady].”
And Gauff was additionally nicely conscious that Wozniacki may have an edge within the match after spending the final three years watching her matches. “Yeah, it’s not going to be an easy match-up,” she continued.
“I think she probably knows my game pretty well. I don’t know if she commentated on any of my matches. I know she’s watched tennis even when she was retired. So I’m sure she knows my game just from watching.”
But the five-time title winner continues to be trying ahead to dealing with the previous world No 1. “I know a little bit of her just from watching her from growing up. It’s going to be really cool. I’m really excited. Playing a legend like her is really exciting. I’m not going to take the moment for granted,” she mentioned.
Meanwhile, Wozniacki will probably be relying on Serena Williams to maintain pushing her on from house. Williams has been sharing Instagram Stories celebrating the Dane’s match wins and the 30-time title winner mentioned she had been talking with the American.
“Yeah, I talk to her all the time. She’s obviously busy now, as well. But we talk all the time. She watched my match today,” the 33-year-old mentioned after defeating Jennifer Brady within the third spherical.