By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday September 1, 2020

 

Don't be fooled by the early loss at the US Open. The Future's still bright for Coco Gauff.

Photo Source: Getty

If you’re thinking that Coco Gauff doesn’t have a bright future in tennis because she dropped her first-round contest to Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova, think again.



The Latvian herself, a former semifinalist at the US Open and a player that has reached at least the quarterfinals three times in New York City, thinks that Gauff is way ahead of the power curve.

“I mean, I wish I would play like this when I was 16 years old,” Sevastova said after defeating Gauff in three tight sets, 6-3 5-7 6-4. “Great player. Nothing more to say. I think she maybe started a bit slower than me, but she was getting better as the match went on. That's so important I think in tennis.”

Gauff, just 16 years of age, has developed a reputation for making runs at the majors. On her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon last year she took out Venus Williams and ended up reaching the second week. She reached the third round of the US Open last year before being stopped by Naomi Osaka, and then at the Australian Open in January, she defeated Osaka and made the second week.

After Monday’s loss, Gauff’s record at the Slams drops to 8-4. Hardly a travesty.

Gauff took the loss in stride. She’s always been about the process and she knows she needs to stay the course and keep picking up big match experience.

“Just the beginning,” Gauff told reporters. “I just got on tour a little over a year ago, so I still have a lot to learn and a long ways to go.

“The main part that hurt was just getting matches under my belt, getting experience. That's what I need on tour. I'm playing against people older than me who have been in more situations, difficult situations, than I have. I think the biggest thing is I just need experience.”

Sevastova, who moves on to face 18-year-old Marta Kostyuk in the second round, probably doesn’t want to think about what Gauff will be like a few years down the road. For now she’s just happy she got the win.

“She’s moving so well, it's tough to finish the point,” the Latvian said. “She sees the ball. She hits amazing backhand. Forehand for sure could be better. Still, it's uncomfortable to play her.”