"If he goes, I'm going to take him in Paris any day": Gauff cements herself in Nadal's corner ahead of Roland Garros
Tennis NewsSaturday, 13 May 2023 at 01:53
Coco Gauff
said she made a mistake by doubting Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open
American
tennis player Coco Gauff confessed to having doubted Rafael Nadal's chances.
The 19-year-old tennis player acknowledged that it was a mistake to mistrust
the 22-time Grand Slam champion. The weeks leading up to the 2022 French Open
were particularly difficult due to the little preparation that the 14-time
French Open champion had.
The Spanish
player arrived injured to the clay season and only had the Madrid Open (where
he was defeated in the quarterfinals by Carlos Alcaraz) and the Rome Open as
preparation, where he left limping after being defeated by Denis Shapovalov in
the round of 16.
"There's
been times, I remember last year, he was having that problem, completely lost
that match, didn't look like he was going to be ready at all. I made the
mistake of doubting him," said Coco about Nadal.
"Next
thing you know, he pretty much stormed his way to the final and won straight
sets. He's just a GOAT in that way, a GOAT on clay, someone you can't
underestimate," added the tennis player who was a finalist in the same
year, being defeated by world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.
Gauff
assured that she hopes to see Nadal on the French clay, and that if he doesn't
make it, the men's trophy will be open for competition."
“But also I
feel like the tour has a lot of -- I think it will open it up for the guys, the
men's side,” claimed Gauff
“Then
again, we haven't seen him play in so long. So maybe the draw is open. I don't
know. But I definitely think he's going to be a threat regardless if he plays
or not.”
Coco successfully debuted by crushing Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1, and will face Czech player Marie Bouzkova in the third round.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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