‘She Is a Fighter’- Coco Gauff’s Attitude Impresses Idol Rafael Nadal as He Heaps Praise on Her at Wimbledon Championships 2022

American rising star Coco Gauff seems like one of the outside contenders for this year’s Wimbledon trophy. After struggling in the first round, she looked her best in the second round as she took down her opponent in straight sets. Now she is all set to battle her compatriot Anisimova to make it to the last 16 of the tournament.

While Gauff is riding high on form, something that will boost her morale is praise from one of the all-time greats. Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, recently spoke about how he admires the rising star.

Rafael Nadal about Coco Gauff

The Spaniard is known for his gentle, kind, and supportive behavior, especially off the court. Recently, Nadal spoke about Gauff. He said, ” I like her the way she talks to the crowd, to the press at the end of the matches.”

Further, he added, “She’s fresh. She’s natural. Looks very mature in her thoughts.. She is a fighter. I like the way that she plays.” It is worth noting that the 14-time French Open champion is good friends with Polish tennis ace Iga Swiatek., one of the biggest rivals of Gauff at present. Even so, he didn’t let his friendship hinder his opinion about the 18-year-old.

Read more: ‘He Was Limping He Still Stayed’ – Coco Gauff Draws Inspiration From Rafael Nadal’s Ethics During Matches

Speaking of Wimbledon, Gauff registered herself for the third round on 1st July by thrashing Romanian Mihaela Buzărnescu in the second round at Centre Court.

Gauff agianst Anisimova

Gauff will square off with the 2019 French Open semifinalist on Saturday for a seat in the round of 16. While the 11th seed is ready to enter the last 16 for the third consecutive year, Anisimova will look forward to breaking new ground in London this year.

Further, during their junior days, Anisimova defeated the 2022 French Open finalist to claim the junior US Open trophy. However, when they met in the professional circuit for the first time on the clay court of Parma, Coco Gauff avenged her loss.

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In addition, Anisimova was the player who made Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, pack her bags in the very first round of the French Open. Therefore, she will certainly be a threat to Gauff’s run at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.