Gauff gets the nod from a pair of ex-champions

A pair of former Grand Slam winners have full faith that Coco Gauff will burst into the WTA spotlight in 2021 – perhaps thanks to the COVID-19 virus pause which wrecked much of this past season.

2013 Wimbledon winner Marian Bartoli and 1996 Australian Open doubles titleholder Chanda Rubin tipped the 16-year-old American for more glory on a TennisMajor podcast.

“I think Coco Gauff will be able to (shine),” Bartoli said.

“(After the 2020 five-month tennis virus pause), she should be able to remaster her game and have even a greater breakthrough that she had in the past,” Bartoli said of the winner of the 2019 Linz title over 2017 Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko.

Rubin agreed: “I’m really curious to see if she can progress at the way we are hoping for. 

“It’s so scary at that age.. and during a time like this, with so much on her plate, I’m curious if she can continue to step up.”

Main photo:- Coco Gauff with Linz Masters Trophy 2019 by Matts Hauer

Roger Parker

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