Miami Open: Coco Gauff Opens Up About the Legendary Chris Evert and What She Means to Her

For a rising star like Coco Gauff, the most important question that most people want to ask her is: who are the inspirational figures in her life? Shedding light on one such legendary player’s influence on her life, Gauff opened up about Chris Evert, the 69-year-old former World No. 1. Praising Evert for being ‘very, very kind,’ Gauff delves deeper into the strong connection she still has with Evert.

After her Miami Open R32 victory, Coco Gauff talked about the impact that Chris Evert has had on her professional interests. She also acknowledged Evert’s struggles and her ability to shine through them. Let’s find out more about this friendship and its impact on Gauff’s tennis skills.

Coco Gauff’s off-court bond with former World No. 1 Chris Evert

Coco Gauff recognizes the great impact Evert has made on the game despite not witnessing it firsthand due to their generational differences. Though Gauff acknowledges that her exposure to Evert’s matches was limited, she says that her connection with Evert off the court has given her a profound appreciation for her legacy. “I didn’t grow up watching a lot of her tapes just because she was a couple generations past me. But I’ve gotten to know her off the court a little bit more.” Gauff said during a press conference at the Miami Open.

Gauff went on to add, “she’s a very, very kind person. She texts me sometimes.” Coco Gauff may not have had the chance to encounter her games live on the court, but she follows her tennis matches through old videos. She further admitted that she learned various skills in the game by watching her videos.

“I always get videos of her on court-style looks on my page. I feel like I know her more for that and I think once I turned pro is when I watched a little bit more of her old tapes. It’s definitely a different game. I wouldn’t say I modeled my backhand after hers,” Gauff added. Apart from all this, Gauff also talked about her connection with Evert owing to her cancer battle, and how she tries to keep in touch with her.

Gauff’s constant support for Evert during her cancer battle

Chris Evert was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. After two years of a long battle against it, the cancer returned last year. Coco Gauff makes a deliberate effort to stay in touch with Evert despite her own increasing professional commitments, particularly during the trying moments of Evert. She admitted, “I always try to text her, especially with the recent news of her illness and everything.”.

In the ever-evolving field of women’s tennis, Gauff and Evert’s relationship is a source of strength and stability. Coco Gauff is taking guidance from one of tennis’ most recognizable figures as she forges ahead in the game.

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