American tennis sensation Coco Gauff is gearing up for the Australian Open with a bold vision in mind – a ‘double-digits’ Grand Slam triumph. Gauff, who secured her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last September, has quickly set her sights on achieving multiple major victories, showcasing a determination to leave a lasting mark on the tennis world.
The 19-year-old, currently ranked No. 4 globally, is considered a strong contender for the Australian Open title after her breakthrough win in New York. Gauff’s victory over Aryna Sabalenka not only made her the first teenager to achieve such a feat since Serena Williams in 1999 but also elevated her status as a player to watch.
Despite her success, Gauff faces the challenge of maintaining her momentum and securing consecutive major titles. Her best record in Melbourne, reaching the fourth round in 2019 and 2023, suggests the Australian Open is a significant battleground for her. However, with quarter-final appearances at the French Open and a triumphant run at the US Open, Gauff is poised to extend her impressive form in Melbourne.
Acknowledging the pressure that comes with Grand Slam success, Gauff remains undeterred, expressing her goal to win multiple titles. “For me, I always knew I wanted to win multiple,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on past achievements. When pressed on the specifics of her Grand Slam ambitions, Gauff was coy but hinted at aiming for ‘double-digits,’ recognizing the challenge and setting high goals to push her limits.
Martina Navratilova, an 18-time major winner, has endorsed Gauff’s potential for future success, predicting double-figure Grand Slam victories if she stays fit. Navratilova places Gauff among the elite group of the “big four” in women’s tennis, alongside Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina. With Gauff having fulfilled initial expectations with her US Open win, she now faces the journey of living up to the newly established standards.
Navratilova emphasizes the importance of experience for Gauff, believing that confidence gained from her first Grand Slam victory is just the beginning. As Gauff begins her Australian Open campaign against Slovakia’s Anna Schmiedlova, ranked No. 67, the tennis world eagerly awaits to see if she can turn her ambitious vision into reality and take a significant step towards achieving ‘double-digits’ in Grand Slam triumphs.