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Coach Patrick Moratoglou Recalls How Coco Gauff ‘Impressed’ Him at the Age of 10
American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has garnered a massive following at the age of 17. However, center stage attention is nothing new for the teenager. Having announced her arrival at the age of 13, she continues to make headlines, driving every swing with her youthful energy. Speaking of her fandom, coach Patrick Mouratoglou opens up on his success, despite her young age.
Primarily, Mouratoglou revealed that Gauff had come to his academy when she was ten and impressed him right away. Later on, he reflected on her creating history, pressure-handling ability, and her future in the sport.
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Coach Patrick Mouratoglou on Coco Gauff
There is no hiding that Coco Gauff has impressed one and all, taking the tennis world by a storm with her skills. Testifying to the same, Patrick said, “Everything excites me about her. She’s so special.”
Mouratoglou explained the scouting week at his academy, where, through various tests, they evaluate the few best. Notably, in a one-on-one interview with the coach himself, a young 10-year-old Gauff left an ever-lasting impression on him.
“I was shocked by her like ten years old, so driven already, so mature for 10. She knew what she wanted so badly, and the whole week was incredible,” the French coach said.
LONDON, ENGLAND – June 29: Cori Gauff of the United States practicing watched by Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou and father and coach Corey Gauff before the start of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on June 29, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
“We have to do something special for her and help her become the best she can become,” Mouratoglou added.
Following that, Patrick, also Serena Williams’ coach, reflected on the history the teenager has already made. Gauff became the youngest player in history to reach the US Open Juniors final at 13 and a half. Also, she became the youngest to qualify for the main draw in Wimbledon at 15.
“What impresses me the most is her ability to handle pressure at only 15-16-17. Because as she’s made history several times already, there are so much expectations on her shoulders from everyone, and she feels it, of course. I think she is underlining it incredibly well,” Mouratoglou said.
Coach on Gauff’s future
In addition, Mouratoglou highlighted that despite her character and maturity, she has areas to improve. “And that’s great, you know, that’s what you want,” he continued. “Someone who’s already top 20 with such room for improvement, so now it’s just about work, so let’s make the work done and see how far she can go.”
Sep 1, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Cori Gauff of the USA hits to Sloane Stephens of the USA on day three of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Recently, Gauff lost in the Round of 16 at Indian Wells but has an outside chance to make it into 2021’s Top 8 players. Do you think she will qualify for WTA Finals this year?
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