"They asked for my earrings and hair ties and everything": Gauff recalls experiences of fans wanting any souvenir

America’s tennis star Coco Gauff has stated the need for her to be a good ‘role model’.

The 19-year-old is one of the most highly-rated young players in the circuit after becoming a pro just at the age of just 14.

While talking about how she wants to deal with her fans asking for things after the match, Gauff stated that she likes to give away a lot of stuff but sometimes she had to refuse.

"Yeah, for me it [being a great role model besides being a great tennis player] is really important,” she said. “I don't know how much the ticket prices cost or anything, but for people to pay money to see me and wait after the trophy ceremony in this heat, to ask for an autograph, I try to sign as many as I can.

"A lot of them were kids. I remember being in that moment. Yeah, you know, a lot of people ask, they strip me from everything. Some people asked for my shoes, but I needed to walk. Some people asked for my bracelet. I was, like, this was a gift from someone. I can't give you that.

"They asked for my earrings and hair ties and everything. Usually I don't mind giving. I always try to. Sometimes I try to ration it out, because I am going to another tournament. Yeah, I love doing it.”

Gauff will be feeling good after her recent triumph on the court as she won the Citi DC Open after beating Greece’s Maria Sakkari in the final with a score of 6-2, 6-3.

That victory will give the young tennis sensation a lot of momentum going into the last Grand Slam of the year — the US Open — which is set to begin in less than a month’s time.