Coco Gauff Addresses Player Interview Protest and Sets Sights on Roland-Garros Title Defense
Defending champion Coco Gauff discussed the recent controversy over limited media time with players during her pre-tournament press conference and looked ahead to her opening match against Taylor Townsend.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, American star Coco Gauff addressed the widely discussed decision by some players to limit their media interactions to 15 minutes.
A decision presented as a form of protest against the distribution of Grand Slam prize money, considered too low compared to the revenue generated by these major tournaments.
« It was important to find a balance so as not to harm journalists either »
« In Rome, I know there were discussions on the subject, but I continued playing. I don't think this measure will change everything immediately, but it shows that many players are on the same page and that, for the first time, we are acting collectively instead of just discussing.
I am proud that we were able to unite. It was important to find a balance so as not to harm journalists either, because you are not responsible for this situation. For this reason, many players have decided to make themselves available to the media while reducing other commitments with television and tournament sponsors. »
« Defending my title is not something I think about before stepping on court »
On the sporting front, the 22-year-old will have to defend her title at Roland-Garros, which she won against Aryna Sabalenka. To start this edition, she must overcome her compatriot and world No. 73 Taylor Townsend.
« When I come to this tournament, I don't think too much about my previous results here. Obviously, defending a title is different, but honestly, last year already seems distant, like it was ten years ago.
However, as matches go by, I realize that I can find my best level here, even when I'm not playing particularly well, because I have a lot of confidence thanks to my run in this tournament. But it's not something I think about before stepping on court, » Gauff concluded.
