Gauff Displays Her Ambitions: "I’d Like to Win Another Grand Slam Before Thinking About Reaching World No. 1"
Coco Gauff has advanced to the round of 16 at the WTA 1000. After not conceding a single game to Sofia Kenin in her previous match, the world No. 3 this time eliminated Maria Sakkari (6-2, 6-4), just days after defeating the Greek player at the same stage of the competition in Indian Wells.
Having lost in the round of 16 to Caroline Garcia last year in Florida, the American is establishing herself as one of the credible contenders for the title by next week. In a press conference, Gauff reflected on her victory against Sakkari, her fifth win in ten encounters, and discussed her medium-term ambitions.
"Today, the goal was to step onto the court and have fun, that was my intention. That’s how I play. In the past, I’ve always felt a bit of pressure playing at home, but I’ve known for a long time that I can only perform at my best when I’m free and relaxed.
I think that’s what I tried to do today. In reality, I focused a lot on what I achieved last week, but deep down, I thought it was normal if it didn’t work out again this time.
Honestly, I think today, at certain moments, my game plan worked, and at others, it didn’t. It’s one of those times where you’d like to play the same way as last time to replicate the same result, but you know that a smart opponent won’t let you play exactly the same way they did two weeks ago after a loss.
Even though the scoreline suggests a more favorable outcome for me, I think she played better this time than last. But I also think I played better than I did in Indian Wells, so that’s probably what made the difference.
I’ve always said I’d prefer to win another Grand Slam. I feel like people remember the titles you’ve won more than your world No. 1 ranking. Obviously, if I could have both, that would be great too.
Personally, after winning one, I’d like to win another in the future. Now, if I had already won four and still hadn’t reached No. 1, that might be a different story.
But since I’ve only won one, I’d like to win another first to solidify my achievements a bit more before thinking about reaching the top spot," Gauff assured after her victory, speaking to Punto De Break.
