"I played here when I was 12 years old" - Gauff at San Diego Open draw party

Coco Gauff took part in the San Diego Open draw party together with Jessica Pegula and she remembered the venue from the last time she played here.

This won't be the first time Gauff is playing at the San Diego Open as the American played here before but it was quite a few years ago. She joined her colleague Jessica Pegula at the ceremony explaining how she remembers playing here as a 12-year-old:

"It's actually a full-circle moment for me. I played at the Barnes Tennis Center for the first time when I was 12 years old and I lost in the quarterfinals. Then I played again when I was 14 here and I lost in the semis. So I told my dad that hopefully, I can get to the final, maybe this time in the pro tournament."

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She also thanked all those that helped stage the event:

But it's pretty crazy just to be back. I never would've imagined, I guess, four years ago that I would be here as a professional player, playing here in San Diego. I would like to thank the tournament director and everyone involved with the STA and USTA Foundation for having me and I'm so excited to play here this week. Thank you."