"The athleticism is ridiculous": Coco Gauff praised by Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson
WTASaturday, 11 November 2023 at 09:30
American Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson has heaped
praise on the performances of young tennis star Coco Gauff.
The 19-year-old is often rated as one of the best young
talents currently playing in the women’s singles category in the circuit. Olympic
gold medalist Johnson was recently quoted in a report where he heaped praise on
Gauff after watching her play in the recently concluded WTA Finals.
"The athleticism here is ridiculous. And this doesn’t
even show the skill!” he said. "Crazy. Was in 30MPH gusting winds in
Cancun.”
Gauff’s journey in Cancun, Mexico came to an end in the
semifinal as she suffered a defeat to America’s Jessica Pegula in straight sets
with a score of 6-2, 6-1. Despite that result, the Atlanta-born will be
relatively satisfied with her performance in 2023 where she went on to win her maiden
Grand Slam.
She lifted the US Open title in 2023 after defeating the current
world number two Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a score of 2-6,
6-3, 6-2. Other than that, she also played in the quarterfinal of the French
Open where she lost to the current world number one Iga Swiatek in straight
sets with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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