"The next step is winning a Grand Slam": Connors says Gauff is on the right track ahead of US Open
WTAMonday, 28 August 2023 at 23:30
Former world number one Jimmy Connors believes America’s
young tennis star Coco Gauff is on the right track.
The 19-year-old is starting the ongoing US Open 2023 as one
of the favourites as she is seeded sixth.
Connors was quoted in a report recently where he expressed
optimism that the next step in Gauff’s journey is to lift a Grand Slam.
"Well I mean you got to go step-by-step," said the
70-year-old. "You know, win a 250 then you want to win a 500, then you win
a 1000, but then you need to win a Grand Slam, the Grand Slam set you apart and
in a different category.
"So you know the steps that Coco Gauff's taking and
Jessica Pegula that they're taking. They're on the right track, you know, but
the next step is winning a Grand Slam."
"Yeah, you know you you've got to be out there. The
only thing better than playing and winning is playing and losing because at
least you're in the game."
Gauff is entering the competition with high confidence after
recently winning the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open) where she lifted
the title after defeating Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in the final in
straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
The Atalanta-born is set to face Germany’s Laura Siegemund
in the first round of the fourth and final Grand Slam.
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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- Great article!!
AceOfBase31-08-2026 - Snorting hard drugs is not an "accident" nor a "mistake". That is a Choice.
mandoist28-08-2026 - No... athletes retire and that's it. No 'giftng' Wildcards -- QUALIFY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE NOT RANKED HIGH ENOUGH or stay home and cherish yourselves in the mirrors all over your houses!. This shitshow needs to be stopped... the "Look At Me" nonsense has gone on far too long.mandoist28-08-2026
- Great article! I began cheering for the “real” doubles specialists at the beginning but once they all lost their respective matches I really didn’t care who actually won the whole tournament. I liked the last four teams in the semifinals and would have enjoyed seeing any of them win the trophy! Not sure it really feels like a TRUE Grand Slam win however (and I know history will say it is!). Happy for Muchova/Mensik. Karolina is now a Grand Slam winner.DaveyWavey27-08-2026
- …and Foseca ;)DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- All the men dropping like flies. Something’s gotta be done with the tournament calendar or many more players will be on the sidelines in the near future. Surprised Carlos is back as soon as he is. Get well soon Sinner, Draper, Fokina, Rune, etc. etc. etc……DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- I want Pegula to surprise as a one-slam wonder winning in New York. She would then jump over the other three ladies for a number one ranking! I’d put my money on the two American girlies, Jessica and Coco to win in New York. Rybakina cannot seem to perform under this kind of pressure and Sabalenka appears in an anger fog ATM.DaveyWavey24-08-2026
- Well said, Andy. I got sick of Nick carrying on and on and on about Sinner. He absolutely refused to look at the facts. Now look at him. Karma is real!!!Rapunzel23-08-2026
- The fact that ANDY RODDICK of all people has become the voice of “reason” is interesting. He’s absolutely correct about Kyrgios too. He’s become a tennis influencer who is a total hypocrite and bully! I agree with RODDICK 100%DaveyWavey23-08-2026
- Great article! Thiem was similar to Del Potro in that both men had won Grand Slams and injured wrists each stole their careers away. Sad really.DaveyWavey22-08-2026
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