Gauff inspired by Swiatek's success at such a young age - "Maybe you think that you can do it too"

Tennis prodigy Coco Gauff burst unto the tennis scene when at the age of 15 she defeated Venus Williams at Wimbledon three years ago, but the American has had to deal with various criticisms based on her age.

Now 18 years old and ranked 16 in the world, Gauff’s age is becoming less of a talking point, especially considering the world No.1, Iga Swiatek, is only 20.

“It definitely takes the pressure off,” Gauff told Eurosport on the sidelines of the Madrid Open this week.

“I feel like my age is a big thing that people were talking about but I think for me, we’re all on the court, we’re all going to the same lines, the same balls, the same everything.

“Age, yes, does play a factor a little bit with experience or maybe physically, but Iga being No.1 definitely gives a little extra motivation knowing that she can accomplish it at such a young age in the sport, and maybe you think that you can do it too.”

Gauff’s mother Candi does not travel with her full-time but attends some tournaments, while Corey her father has coached his daughter her whole life. Both parents have instilled in her a healthy perspective towards the sport – one that is rare to find in a professional athlete at such a young age.

Considering the events going on around the globe, from the pandemic to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this has led Gauff to realize that there's more to life than just tennis.

“I think you just have to remind yourself that it’s just a tennis match and there are people going through much worse things in the world than losing a tennis match,” she said.

“I just look at it as something that I do and I love but it’s not my life entirely. I’m still going to be here if tennis were not to exist tomorrow, I’ll still be here and there’s many more things to worry about in the world than just a tennis match.

“Obviously as an athlete it means a lot; I put everything into this sport. But I think also you have to remind yourself that it is just a sport and there’s much more important issues going and it’s important that we address them too."