Pegula believes doubles partner Gauff is a firm favourite for US Open: "She's the future of our sport"

America’s Jessica Pegula believes that fellow young tennis star Coco Gauff is the ‘future of our sport’.

The 19-year-old is one of the most highly-rated women players in the world of tennis despite being around for a long time.

Talking about her doubles partner, Pegula heaped praise on the current world number six and believes she is destined to achieve great things in tennis.

"I'm glad that it seemed like she got confidence from that week, as well, and was able to take it into Cincinnati,” said the 29-year-old. “I think she's really confident. When any player is confident, that's when they're toughest to beat.

"I know she loves playing with a crowd. Yeah, I think she's definitely a favorite for this. I think there's a lot of favorites, but yeah, especially her, her and the crowd, coming off a lot of momentum, it's big.

"Yeah, it's been really nice to see. I'm glad she's been improving and learning. She's the future of the sport, so... It's nice to see.”

Gauff is coming to the US Open on the back of securing an impressive triumph in the recently concluded Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open) where she defeated Marie Bouzkova of Czech Republic in the final with a score of 6-4, 6-0.