American tennis phenom Coco Gauff has been lauded by many for her recent title run at the 2023 US Open, and Toni Nadal believes the praise surrounding the teenager's victory is well-deserved.
Gauff's tennis journey has been fascinating to watch, as the Atlanta native broke onto the scene at just 15-years old. Following a Roland Garros runner-up finish last year, Gauff would go on to win her first WTA 500 title, then a WTA 1000 before capturing her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.
Toni Nadal points out Gauff's tenacity in overcoming obstacles
"At the age of 15 she became the youngest player in history to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon," said the Spanish coach. "From that moment on, she had to endure the pressure, comparisons and comments of some experts who said that, despite her very young age, she had already reached her peak.
"I'm glad that, with tenacity, work and great education, last Saturday she managed to prove them wrong. I don't know her personally, but seeing her celebration full of emotion, she seems to me a very sensible athlete.
"I also found her statements at the press conference after her triumph in which she downplayed the importance of the pressure she endures very remarkable. She admitted that, of course, she feels it and that normal nerves accompany her, but she added that she is aware of her privileged situation."
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