“Playing a legend like her is really exciting” – Gauff looks ahead to Wozniacki clash
This will be the first meeting between the American teen and the former world No 1 and Grand Slam winner from Denmark
Coco Gauff and Caroline Wozniacki at the 2023 US Open
Image Credit: Antoine Couvercelle/ Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic
Being the rising star on the tour has been the norm for Coco Gauff over the past few years. The 19-year-old American has played against many stalwarts of the game. She will take on another one in her next match at the US Open but this one is someone who Gauff did not think she would get the chance to play.
On Friday, Gauff came from a set down to beat Elise Mertens at the US Open to set up a tantalising fourth round showdown against former world No 1 and Grand Slam winner Caroline Wozniacki. The 33-year-old Dane, who also came from a set down to beat Jennifer Brady on Friday, is only into the third tournament of her comeback after a three-year hiatus from the game during which she had two kids.
Gauff had her breakthrough on the women’s tour at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships where she qualified, beat Venus WIlliams and made a stunning run to the fourth round. Six months later, she reached the last 16 at the 2020 Australian Open, the tournament where Wozniacki bid farewell to the sport for the first time. And thus, their paths never intertwined on the tour.
Fast forward 43 months, and the two will be facing off for the first time in the US Open fourth round and the American teen knows that despite the limited matches that Wozniacki has played in her comeback, the Dane is going to be a tough opponent to beat.
I never thought I would ever be in this position, especially after she retired and came back.
Coco Gauff on Caroline Wozniacki
“I don’t think she’s going to give me anything. She’s obviously one of those players that was a great mover when she played. She got a lot of balls back, so I’m expecting long rallies,” Gauff said ahead of the match which will be played on Sunday and is likely to get a prime-time slot. “Also, I’ve watched her last couple matches this week. I think she’s playing a little bit more aggressive I guess compared to when she was starting, before she won Australia. I think she played that tournament really well.”
Knowing the challenge that Wozniacki brings has not dimmed the excitement for Gauff, who said she is not going to take the occasion for granted.
“It’s going to be interesting. I never thought I would ever be in this position, especially after she retired and came back. But she’s still like a really fit player. She looked like she was striking the ball today pretty clean, especially after I was watching her match the last couple sets against Jenny. It’s not going to be an easy matchup. I think she probably knows my game pretty well. I don’t know if she commentated on any of my matches. I know she’s watched tennis even when she was retired. So, I’m sure she knows my game just from watching. I know a little bit of her just from watching her from growing up. It’s going to be really cool. I’m really excited. Playing a legend like her is really exciting. I’m not going to take the moment for granted.”
