Serena Williams’ high praise for Coco Gauff: ‘I was nowhere near her level at 15’

Impressive, smart, eloquent and a fighter are just some of the words that Serena Williams used to describe Coco Gauff after the teenager’s latest win.
The 15-year-old Gauff booked her place in the third round of a Grand Slam for the third consecutive time as she secured a 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 victory over Sorana Cirstea at the Australian Open on Wednesday.
Williams, meanwhile, advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Tamara Zidansek and afterwards she was asked about Gauff’s performances.
“She’s just impressive all around, from her personality to the way she plays,” the 23-time Grand Slam winner said.
“I think it’s just all super impressive. I was nowhere near her level at 15 either on the court or off the court, not even close. I know kids are growing up different nowadays, so I’m not sure. But I was nowhere near as smart and eloquent as she is. It’s nice to see.”
Williams will take on Wang Qiang in the third round while Gauff has a mouthwatering clash against defending champion Naomi Osaka. The two Americans could meet in the quarter-finals should they both come through their next two matches, but Williams says that is still far away.
“We both have to win the next round, so we’ll see,” she said. “I think she has a good chance to keep winning. She’s a fighter. I have to do what I do, play everyone at every point, so we’ll see.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
News
Los Cabos: Cameron Norrie eye on third ATP Tour title of 2022
The British number one battled to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 victory in the semi-finals.
-
WTA Tour
Toronto draw: Stacked top quarter could be seeds graveyard
The Toronto Masters has no soft paths to glory.
-
WTA Tour
Citi Open: Emma Raducanu falls to Liudmila Samsonova
Fellow Brit Dan Evans also went down in Washington.
-
WTA Tour
Exclusive – Former British No 1 with an upbeat verdict on Emma Raducanu
Durie has backed the young Brit to find her form if she can steer clear of injuries.
-
Tennis News
Exclusive – Former British No 1 on whether Novak Djokovic should play at the US Open
Jo Durie believes it will be a ‘real shame’ if Novak Djokovic cannot play at the US Open.
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka lauds Coco Gauff as a star on and off the court
Coco Gauff is already a big star according to Naomi Osaka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu could climb to World No 8 in DC
A new career-high ranking might await Emma Raducanu next week.
-
ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal left with no choice but to withdraw from Montreal
No Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic at the Rogers Cup.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon responds to backlash against new stadium plans
Wimbledon hope to get the local residents on their side.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray handed US Open lifeline with Montreal wildcard
Three-time champion Andy Murray gets a wildcard for Montreal.