French Open: 4x Aryna Sabalenka Slayer Coco Gauff Delivers Priceless ‘Advice’ to 17-YO Mirra Andreeva Ahead of QF Clash

Straight from the horse’s mouth! Just before the start of the 2021 French Open, Coco Gauff said she has now learned to embrace the huge expectations she carries on her shoulder and assured her fans that she’ll be playing with freedom at the French Open. She played with freedom and made it to the last eight and became the youngest woman to reach a Grand Slam QF since 2006 in Paris by defeating Ons Jabeur (6-3,6-1) in just 53 minutes. Now, Russia’s Mirra Andreeva has also written her name on the pages of the history of this iconic tournament. Playing such tournaments always adds an extra bit of pressure, but to triumph all of that, one must…

A reporter at the post-match press conference highlighted that Mirra Andreeva recently became the fifth player in the last eighteen years to make it to the QF at the Roland Garros before turning 18. Coco Gauff did it in the 2021 French Open! This will be Mirra Andreeva’s maiden appearance in the quarterfinals of any major tournament. So, she will be under immense pressure while facing the no.2, Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff has come across such high-pressure situations multiple times in her career. Playing against Aryna Sabalenka and defeating her four times out of their seven meetings defines her mentality in those vital matches! How can Mirra take lessons from Coco Gauff’s extraordinary runs in the past?

Replying to the reporter’s question, Gauff said, “I remember when I had made my first QF, I felt like the title was so close and it was so far. So the only advice I think would just stay in the moment and you know believe that you can make it. But don’t think about the end.” The American wants to tell the teenager that although she is now just a few steps behind to make it to the finals, this is a “long journey“! One step at a time? Perhaps that’s what she wanted to tell the youngster.

Coco Gauff has played against Mirra Andreeva on two occasions in their careers so far. In the first meeting at the 2023 French Open, the American took three sets to defeat the Russian tennis sensation. While in the second, Coco Gauff defeated Mirra Andreeva comfortably by 6-3,6-2 at the second round of the 2023 US Open. Reflecting on her thoughts on the evolution of Mirra Andreeva, Gauff said, “I played her here last year and we had a tough three sets match. I think she’s a great player…it’s nice to see how she’s improving with each week.” However, she needs to bring out her A-game to stand a chance against Aryna Sabalenka in the QF.

Mirra Andreeva has faced her twice on clay courts earlier and on both of those occasions, Sabalenka secured a comfortable victory. Gauff even said that Andreeva needs to take more care of her mental and emotional side first before looking into her game. She believes these things are extremely crucial for young players like her because having a good mindset helps to cope with all the external pressures. Even earlier, Gauff shared words of wisdom for this teenage superstar!

“Don’t do it for anyone else” – Coco Gauff to Mirra Andreeva

Just after ending 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva’s run at the 2023 French Open, Coco Gauff spoke a few words about this teenage sensation from Russia. She revealed she didn’t feel she was playing against someone who doesn’t have much experience of playing at the bigger stages. Gauff stated that she thinks Mirra Andreeva “plays beyond her years.” She found a great similarity with herself on this.

Handling the pressure from the fans outside and the crowds inside the stadium can be really tough at times. Speaking on how to enjoy that game in the middle of those pressure situations, Gauff added, “The advice to her, just to do it for you. I mean, don’t do it for anyone else. When you step on the court you want to make sure it’s for you, and I think life and the game will be a lot more enjoyable that way.”

Mirra Andreeva has caught the attention of the tennis world with her rapid rise. Share your thoughts on the same in the comment box.