“She’s due for something really special this year!” – this statement from Chanda Rubin speaks volumes about Coco Gauff’s rise in the tennis circuit. Standing on the cusp of Wimbledon glory as the World No. 2, Coco Gauff reflects on her teenage debut. Now 20, she recalls the kindness of certain players on the tour who eased her early journey. The sentiment is particularly touching considering they might now face her competitively across the net.

Gauff started her career as early as 14 years of age. A kid, at that time, was entering the competitive and somewhat merciless world of tennis. But she soon grabbed the limelight with her triumph over Venus Williams and has never looked back. Currently set to enter Wimbledon as a 2nd seed, Gauff indulged in a pre-championship conference for the tournament. The young tennis sensation was candid about her meeting with the fans and Wimbledon, among other things. However, there was a blast from the past when the interviewer questioned Gauff about the women she admired/looked up to on the tour.

Responding to the curious question put forward, Gauff smiled as she shared two names from the WTA, who she admires the most- Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur. Opening up about the reason behind Swiatek taking the spot in her list, she said, “Obviously Iga, she is someone who has a great mentality, and she wins a lot.” Rightly so, Swiatek has already claimed 5 Grand Slam titles in her career so far, and looks forward to adding a 6th at Wimbledon. Additionally, her record against Gauff is impressive, winning 91.7% (11-1) of their encounters until now. While Swiatek featured in her list because of her strong game, the “Minister of Happiness”, Ons Jabeur, was there due to their bond.

While rookies on tour often face a baptism by fire, Coco Gauff’s experience was different. One individual, Ons Jabeur, stood out for her kindness and helped ease Gauff’s early transition. Detailing the reason, Gauff said, “Ons Jabeur, I think she is the nicest person and such a competitor on and off the court. Yeah, I think Ons is somebody that was one of the first players who was nice to me when I was 15 coming on tour.” 

It was an uncharted territory for the then-teenager as she was trying to establish her foundation. Despite having support from her family, it seems Gauff was looking for someone from the tour to show her the ropes. And Jabeur was there. The World No.2 further added, “I was scared, you know, but meeting people like that you saw on TV, and she was one of the players that was really nice. So I think especially her!”

Over 6 years down the lane, Coco Gauff has joined the duo as the top contender, with US Open 2023 already in her bag, adding more depth to the tennis circuit. However, as the Wimbledon begins, speculations are high in the wind about the winner of this year’s Grass Slam.

All three of Swiatek, Gauff, and Jabeur are entering Wimbledon with a different mindset and gameplay

While French Open has seen a consistent winner in the last 5 years: Iga Swiatek claiming 4 of them, when it comes to the Wimbledon, it has had 7 winners in the last 7 years(excluding 2020). Certainly, it highlights the high quality of players. But despite being at the top, Grand Slam has evaded either of the trio’s hold. And this time, they would be all ready to battle it out on court.

Swiatek has the advantage of being in form after winning the French Open and having a good rest. Whereas Jabeur would relish her Grass Slam campaign in the last 3 years, giving her confidence to make it happen. While Gauff wants to play it cool this year, to avoid a repeat of last year’s first-round exit at Wimbledon. Reflecting on the same, she said, “With Wimbledon, I’m really relaxed going into this year. I didn’t have a great Wimbledon last year. It’s like it couldn’t get any worse, it can only get better or the same,”

The three are equally capable of lifting the Grass Slam, if not more. It would be interesting to watch the tale of Wimbledon triumph in the upcoming days!