Who doesn’t like being young and talented? While that thought sounds tempting, it certainly comes attached to expectations. And especially if you’re Coco Gauff, there’s no two ways to go about it. The American talent is looking to make a bold statement at the Paris Olympics where she marks her maiden Olympic appearance.

The Team USA flag-bearer has commenced her dream hunt for a gold medal in Paris. Gauff and her compatriot Jessica Pegula have been drawn against Team Australia for their opening-round showdowns. Subsequently, on Saturday, July 27, the American duo thwarted the pair of Daria Saville and Ellen Perez in the first round of their doubles team-up. However, the young pro has a bigger fish to fry.

In a post-match presser after concluding her doubles match, Gauff highlighted how she’s trying to cope with the expectations. The American voiced her mental approach ahead of her singles clash with Australian tennis star Ajla Tomljanovic.

Furthermore, she notably mentioned that her strategy relies on treating the multi-sport event for what it is – her first Olympic experience, an honor she won’t encounter for the next four years. “I’m just trying to approach it like Roland Garros because obviously, I think the Olympics feels a little bit — at least my first time — more nervous because you know this is not for another four years.”

For the unversed, the World No. 2 entered the quadrennial event after previously missing out on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Despite having drawn on Team USA for the Tokyo Games, she was unable to mark her attendance due to Covid-19 contraction. However, things have changed now. She has done justice to her long-term goals. Moreover, in a heartfelt note penned to her 17-year-old self, Gauff abundantly mentioned not taking too much pressure upon herself in Paris.

Coco Gauff reflects on Olympic journey in a bona fide letter

Earlier this season at the Australian Open, Coco Gauff took fans on a trip down memory lane. She briefly addressed her thoughts on unfortunately skipping the Tokyo Games. Later, the American sensation talked about the Olympic plans she wrote in the ‘vision notes’ on her phone. Subsequently, merely days before the commencement of the Paris event, those notes were featured in a heartfelt letter she penned to her 17-year-old self which was shared on ‘NBC Olympics’.

In her letter, the reigning US Open champion urged her younger self to not let the pressure get to her, and instead, have fun without worrying about the medals. “In your phone under your vision notes, you wrote that you want to win a medal at the Olympics. Gold, silver, bronze – it doesn’t matter. But you’ve already won, you’ve made your childhood dream of playing at the Olympics, representing the United States, a real reality. And now, finally, you get to enjoy it.”

The World No. 2 will be presented with three opportunities to reach the podium in Paris. She is participating in the women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories. While her road to glory will be filled with formidable challenges, the American will aim to maintain her composure. And if all goes well, she can script history and decorate her nation with a gold medal!