Dylan Bettencourt
Coco Gauff is set to follow in the footsteps of her role model, Serena Williams.
The American teenager will break into the world’s top 10 for the first time in her career, having reached her maiden US Open quarter-final.
Gauff defeated Chinese opponent Zhang Shaui 7-5, 7-5 on Monday night to advance to the final eight at the year’s final Grand Slam in New York.
The 18-year-old has only ever reached one Grand Slam final – at the French Open, where she lost to world number one Iga Swiatek.
She has showcased the talent to succeed Serena Williams but more importantly, she is just as popular with the crowd.
“On the 6-5 changeover, people were saying, ‘Let’s go, Coco’. I was trying not to smile,” Gauff said after her victory.
“I’ve got to stay in the zone. Inside I was trying my hardest not to smile. This is a surreal moment for me. At Arthur Ashe Stadium people are chanting my name. I feel like I’m at an NBA game.”
Gauff has always looked up to the Williams sisters.
“Serena Williams has always been my idol… and Venus. They are the reason why I wanted to pick up a tennis racquet,” she said.
Now it is time for Gauff to make her claim for the top spot in female tennis, starting with winning her first Grand Slam.
Unfortunately for Gauff, Swiatek still stands in her way, but to follow in Serena’s footsteps, you have to beat the best.
Gauff will be hoping to break further ground by defeating French opponent Caroline Garcia to reach her first US Open semi-final on Wednesday.
The final, which Gauff is hoping to be a part of, is set for Saturday evening.
Image source: @WTATennis
