Coco Gauff shared her excitement about facing Caroline Wozniacki at the US Open in what is the Dane’s first Grand Slam tournament since leaving retirement. But the 19-year-old was also aware that the former world No 1 would know her game very well after spending years watching her from the sidelines. And Wozniacki will be able to count on the support of her good friend Serena Williams, who has been cheering the 33-year-old on from home.
Gauff will face an opponent she never expected to play on Sunday as she takes on Grand Slam champion Wozniacki for a spot in the US Open quarter-final. The former world No 1 retired at the 2020 Australian Open and made a return to tennis last month – three-and-a-half years and two children later.
The 19-year-old is relishing the chance to face an opponent she sees as a “legend” as she assessed the upcoming match. “I don’t think she’s going to give me anything,” Gauff said. “She’s obviously one of those players that was a great mover when she played. She got a lot of balls back, so I’m expecting long rallies.”
The world No 6 had also noticed a change in Wozniacki’s game since the Dane returned to the sport last month. She added: “Also I’ve watched her last couple matches this week. I think she’s playing a little bit more aggressive I guess compared to when she was starting, before she won Australia. I think she played that tournament really well.
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“Yeah, it’s going to be interesting. I never thought I would ever be in this position, especially after she retired and came back. But she’s still like a really fit player. She looked like she was striking the ball today pretty clean, especially after I was watching her match the last couple sets against Jenny [Brady].”
And Gauff was also well aware that Wozniacki could have an edge in the match after spending the last three years watching her matches. “Yeah, it’s not going to be an easy match-up,” she continued.
“I think she probably knows my game pretty well. I don’t know if she commentated on any of my matches. I know she’s watched tennis even when she was retired. So I’m sure she knows my game just from watching.”
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But the five-time title winner is still looking forward to facing the former world No 1. “I know a little bit of her just from watching her from growing up. It’s going to be really cool. I’m really excited. Playing a legend like her is really exciting. I’m not going to take the moment for granted,” she said.
Meanwhile, Wozniacki will be counting on Serena Williams to keep pushing her on from home. Williams has been sharing Instagram Stories celebrating the Dane’s match wins and the 30-time title winner said she had been speaking with the American.
“Yeah, I talk to her all the time. She’s obviously busy now, as well. But we talk all the time. She watched my match today,” the 33-year-old said after defeating Jennifer Brady in the third round.
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