Although Coco Gauff has achieved so much in the sport of tennis in such a short period of time, three-time mixed doubles champion Zina Garrison believes the American phenom is still discovering herself on and off the court.
Gauff fell in the third round of the singles event at recent Miami Open, but claimed the doubles trophy alongside partner Jessica Pegula. Garrison believes Gauff is in the process of 'finding out who she is' and would eventually reach the pinnacle of the sport.
“Right now, she’s in the middle of finding out who she is—and how she wants to play," said the 59-year old. " Coco’s time will be Coco’s time, and I do believe it will come. She is in the middle of finding out who she is.
"She’s at a crossroads of age, maturity, being in the public eye, being a woman athlete, being a Black woman athlete. . . it’s a lot. Everybody has their eyes on her.”
The former World No.4 opined that will need 'a little more understanding' and that would come through experience.
"She needs a little more experience and a little more self-understanding to get there and feel good about it," she added. "Coco’s been surrounded by adults telling her what to do all her life.
"But the confidence to play that way, to step in at break point and bring pressure and get in the face of her opponent, that comes from experience and commitment. And that’s all on her."
Zina Garrison on Coco Gauff: “Coco’s time will be Coco’s time, & I do believe it will come. She’s in the middle of finding out who she is. She’s at a crossroads of age, maturity, being in the public eye, being a Black woman athlete. It’s a lot. Everybody has their eyes on her.”
