‘Who Knows How Long Coco Can Play?’- Miami Open Director Gets Real About Gauff’s Future With a Subtle Nod to Venus Williams

Coco Gauff has often stated the Williams sisters as her inspirations, and if James Blake is to be believed, she might play the racket sport as long as them too. Serving as the tournament Director of the Miami Open since 2018, Blake retired in August 2013 after a successful 14-year-long run as a pro. A big influence on American tennis, the former world no. 4 believes Gauff has plenty of time left to be as dominant as the older Williams sister.

Also a successful author and tennis commentator, Blake’s take on the future and current scenario of the sport is taken seriously. Featuring on a podcast, he was recently found using Venus Williams‘ longevity to defend Gauff’s play.

‘A great head on her shoulders ‘ – James Blake on Coco Gauff

Talking on a Podcast, Match Point Canada, Blake displays positivity regarding Gauff’s future in the sport, “It’s really fun to see Gauff battling with them for the next 10 Hopefully, 10-15 years. I mean, you see Venus Williams is still playing at 43 years old, I believe. So who knows how long Coco can play and can be at or near the top of the game?”

Further expanding on his point he says, “There were so many questions about is she ever going to win one, only she was only 19 years old, she just turned 20. You know, she’s got plenty of time. And I think she’s gonna rack up quite a few more. So it’s good to see but the top of the women’s game also right now is extremely strong with Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka, and Rybakina some really big hitters and some excellent talent.”

Delving on the aspect of Gauff as the future of American tennis, Blake says, “Already being a Grand Slam champion you hope the pressure doesn’t get to her but it seems like she’s got such a great head on her shoulders so those kind of things aren’t going to hold her back.” He further adds that with her parents and coach Brad Gilbert in her box, she is “putting it all together”. He adds, “it’s funny to think that people were thinking it is taking her too long.”

Gauff who has been dubbed the future of American tennis has often been compared to the legends and just like other American stars, she is going to represent her country in the Olympics happening in Paris this year.

Coco Gauff is set to make her debut at the Olympics

Gauff has become the first U.S. tennis player to secure a spot on the Olympic field, paving the way for her debut at the Paris Olympics in June this year. Following Gauff, the top-ranked American women in singles qualifying include Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and Madison Keys.

Gauff secured her spot on the Olympic team for Tokyo in 2021 at the age of 17. However, just five days before the Opening Ceremony, she had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.

In January she revealed her intentions for the Olympics, “One of the goals I wrote down on my vision thing, vision note, in my phone, was to win a medal in the Olympics”

Gauff has been preparing for the Miami Open. Finding herself in the top half of the draw, she will face either compatriot Ashlyn Krueger or Nadia Podoroska in her opening match.

Read More: ‘She’s Bringing Home the Gold’- Coco Gauff’s ‘Mathematical’ Update on Paris Olympics Makes Tennis Fans Buzz With Excitement