We have often seen players going the extra mile at big events like the Olympic Games. Take the example of Rafael Nadal in the ongoing Paris Olympics. Despite not being 100% fit, the Spaniard played his second-round match against Novak Djokovic earlier today. Despite losing that encounter, Nadal gave a good account of himself on the court. A similar situation is developing in the American tennis contingent as Coco Gauff spearheads her team’s challenge at the Paris Olympics.
Gauff, who is making her debut at the Olympics, is going all out to succeed in Paris. Along with her singles commitments, she is also participating in women’s doubles and mixed doubles. The American sensation is a favorite in all three categories and has a great chance to clinch a hat trick of gold medals. Earlier today, an exclusive interview with Gauff was released by PEOPLE, in which she revealed why she opted to play all the formats at the Paris Olympic Games. Subsequently, Gauff mentioned, “I just love winning, I love the vibes. I probably won’t be doing that much more longer, but I feel like if you’re Olympics, I’m always going to try to push and do all three [events] until the wheels fall off.”
While Gauff is yet to open her campaign in mixed doubles, she has reached the pre-quarterfinals in singles and women’s doubles, where she is partnering Jessica Pegula. Meanwhile, in mixed doubles, Gauff has teamed up with Taylor Fritz, and the duo is seeded third. Despite Gauff being one of the tournament’s favorites, legendary coach, Rick Macci, picked her compatriot over her.
Danielle Collins to come in the way of Coco Gauff?
Gauff is the second seed at the event and looks like an unstoppable talent for a podium finish. However, Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rick Macci, believes that Danielle Collins will take Gauff’s place and will go on to reach the final. On the other hand, Macci feels that Swiatek is the ‘Queen of Clay’ and will be a sure shot in the final.
During an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Macci said, “She has the firepower. You know she can hurt you, and those are the people that can hurt Iga even on clay.” You gotta be able to hurt her and you got to be having fun, best day of your life swinging free and just going for it. And Collins has that type of game okay, even on clay.”
With so much going on in the tennis world, Gauff will look to take it one match at a time and give her best on each occasion. It’ll be interesting to see if Gauff can live up to the fans’ expectations.
