Stunning Sofia 🌟 Qualifier @SofiaKenin prevails in a high-quality battle against fellow American Coco Gauff, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 🙌 #Wimbledon
“I'm really relaxed going into this year,” Coco Gauff reflects on last year’s Wimbledon upset
WTASunday, 30 June 2024 at 02:00
Coco Gauff reflected on her shocking first-round defeat at
the 2023 Wimbledon and admitted she doesn't feel pressured this year as she
prepares to debut against fellow American Caroline Dolehide.
A year ago, Gauff entered SW19 as the 7th seed with high
expectations for her performance in the tournament. However, she only played
one match, losing in the debut to former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin:
"I wish a year ago, me after that match could see me now,” Gauff
reflected.
Gauff reflects on 2023 Wimbledon shock
Back in 2023, Gauff seemed a
clear favorite against her Billie Jean King Cup teammate Sofia Kenin, who
entered the tournament as world No. 128 and had no main draw wins at Wimbledon.
Kenin took the victory 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, creating one of the tournament's early
shocks.
The tough loss gave Gauff
perspective on her career and helped her step up on the WTA Tour from that
point on. After Wimbledon, the American became the player in the best form
during the US hardcourt swing, winning titles at the WTA 500 Washington Open, WTA
1000 Cincinnati Open, and her first Grand Slam at the US Open.
Gauff won 24 of the next 28
matches she played that season, with losses only to Iga Swiatek (2) and Jessica
Pegula (2). She finished the season as world No. 3, gaining new status on the
Tour at just 20 years old: "It was tough for me to realize I have so much
time. When that happens you just feel the weight of everything on you. I think
I had high expectations at that age. I still do,” the world No. 2 said.
Coco Gauff at 2023 Wimbledon
"With Wimbledon, I'm really relaxed going into this year. I didn't have a
great Wimbledon last year. It's like it couldn't get any worse, it can only get
better or the same.”
Moreover, the American is the
second seed of the tournament, ensuring she avoids Iga Swiatek until a
potential final. The Polish world No. 1 dominates their head-to-head 11-1,
although Coco commented that it doesn't matter much if Swiatek is on the other
side of the draw: "It gives you confidence obviously when you see that the
field isn't stacked... in the way where there's one player dominating or three
players dominating," she said. "I think everybody has an equal shot
and it's just about who can perform better that week."
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