‘I’m at Zero’ – Humility Finds a Home in Coco Gauff as the 19YO Aims to Emulate Novak Djokovic’s ‘Main Act’ Status

With 23 major titles already under his belt, Novak Djokovic is getting ever closer to breaking the all-time Grand Slam record in both the men’s and women’s circuits. The Serbian tennis legend’s long list of major triumphs on the court has undoubtedly made him a resounding figure in the entire tennis community.  Many young tennis players have also witnessed the 36-year-old’s impressive resume and have been greatly affected by the same. Amongst them is American tennis sensation, Coco Gauff.

Gauff recently opened up about emulating the former world No. 1 player’s ‘Grand Slam’ glory on the court. In the process, the American tennis prodigy also brought to light her objective of becoming the ‘main act of the sport’ during her complete journey.

Coco Gauff draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s major triumphs

The 19-year-old player is having a great hard-court season as she has already clinched the Citi Open title by outclassing some of the top guns. Now, Coco Gauff has taken her stellar form to another highly anticipated event on her home soil, the Cincinnati Open, where she has reached the quarterfinal round.

After her round of 16 match, the American tennis star also addressed the flurry of spectators who were there in the stands during her thumping victory against the Czech, Linda Nosková. However, the currently ranked world No. 5 jokingly asserted that she was aware that the jam-packed crowd was there to witness the subsequent thrilling fixture between Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils, on the Centre Court.

In an on-court interview, Gauff said, “Probably bc Novak & Gael are after me.. I feel like I’m the opening act. Come on, the guy has how many Grand Slams? I’m at zero right now.”

The high-profile match involving the 23 singles Grand Slam champion certainly made Gauff feel like the “opening act” of the event in Ohio. However, the WTA player thought of it as a motivating force as she also opened up about her objective of becoming the “main act” someday. She said, “But maybe 1 day I’ll be the main act”.

Gauff obviously takes inspiration from the Serb’s Grand Slam victories, but has she ever come this close to clinching a major title herself?

The American tennis prodigy previously came close to a major triumph

In the previous season, Gauff was one step away from winning her first-ever Grand Slam title during the clay court event in Paris. After defeating players of high caliber including Sloane Stephens and Elise Mertens, the 19-year-old previously reached the championship match of the French Open.

However, despite her spectacular campaign, she was outclassed by the world No. 1, Iga Świątek, in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. Even during this season, the American reached the quarterfinals of the Clay Major, but, it was once again, the Polish tennis star who prevailed in their matchup in Paris.

READ MORE- Just Days After Giving Herself a Voguish Makeover, Coco Gauff Aims to Step Back and Replicate the Iconic Style of Idol Serena Williams

Do you think the American tennis prodigy will emulate Djokovic’s major legacy on the court? Let us know in the comments section.

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