Coco Gauff Turns Back Time After Beating ‘Incredible’ Emma Navarro to Make It to the ASB Classic Final

Coco Gauff has made a brilliant start to the season and picked it up from the same spot where she left last year. After a successful 2023 year, she came to Auckland as the defending champion, and so far, her hopes of defending her title look alive. Having faced her childhood rival Emma Navarro in the semis, the American sensation managed to make her way into the finals.

However, after her match, the US Open champion came ahead and talked about her childhood rival. Coco Gauff took her fans back in time and reminded them of the instances when the two used to play against each other in their early teens.

Coco Gauff goes back in time after her semi-final victory against her childhood friend

At the ASB Classic, Coco Gauff won a big match against Emma Navarro to reach the final. This win brought back memories of when they first played each other years ago, when Coco Gauff was just 12 and Emma Navarro was 15. The former said Navarro is an amazing player and wished her the best for the season ahead.

However, the match wasn’t just about winning; it was like a trip down memory lane. It showed how much both players have grown since their first game. Coco Gauff further talked about their past match and how impressive Navarro’s skills are now.

“Definitely a good start to my 2024. Emma is an incredible player. We played when I was like 12 & she was 15. It’s our first time playing since then. It was really cool to play on this stage. I wish her the best for the rest of the season..” said Coco Gauff in the interview.

Thus, these words by Gauff suggest the excitement that she had playing against an old rival whom she played around 7-8 years ago. While they were kids back then, Coco came ahead and praised the skills that her rival developed with time.

Also read: After Rumored Collaboration with Coco Gauff, Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Reveals the Youngster’s Biggest Negative (EXCLUSIVE)

With this win, she not only managed to make her way into the finals of the tournament but also set a record that only a few have been able to make.

Gauff joins the elite list after her appearance in Auckland

Coco Gauff made history after winning the semi-finals. After defeating Emma Navarro, she made it to her eighth big tennis final in Auckland. Talking about the record, since the year 2000, this is tied for the most finals reached by an American teenager. She shares the record with none other than the iconic Serena Williams. Gauff is in great company.

With the win,  Coco Gauff joined an elite company as she made her way into the finals. She will now be looking to clinch the title and prepare herself ahead of the upcoming Australian Open.

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