Coco Gauff places the 2024 Olympics in the same category as the Grand Slam tournaments
Coco Gauff (20) was denied the opportunity to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for COVID. The American declares that winning a medal at the Paris Games would be on par with her Grand Slam successes this year.
The American is eager to make her Games debut when the tennis tournament begins on July 27 at Roland Garrosthe same place where she will try to win a second Grand Slam title during the French Openwhich will begin later this month.
“For me, the Olympics are a top priority. I would say it is the same as the Grand Slam tournaments”said Gauff to the press before Rome.
“I wouldn’t put them over or under just because I’ve never played before. It’s my first time. Obviously I always want to do well, try to get a medal. But the preparation is going to be interesting, because I have never made the transition from grass to clay. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself, because I really want to enjoy this experience to the fullest. I hope I can do it several times in my life. I will consider this a unique experience.”
The immediate objective of Gauff is to prepare for Roland Garroswhich begins on May 26, and the world number three said improving her serve could be the key to winning another Grand Slam title after theUS Open from last year. “I think for me it’s just about serving better than last week, honestly”added Gauffwho finished vice-world champion at Roland Garros in 2022.
“I feel like the other aspects of my game are improving. If I can work on all that, I think it will allow me to have a very good Roland Garros.”
