The Spaniard predicts big things for Coco Gauff, but says she should take her time.
Rafael Nadal knows a thing or two about having success at a young age. He’s the last teenager to win a men’s singles Grand Slam title, after all. The Spaniard sees great things in 15-year-old Coco Gauff, and told reporters his feelings on the American sensation after his victory over John Millman on Tuesday night in New York City.
I saw her a couple of days playing Wimbledon. I think she is very strong to be — she's 15? “She's tall and she has a lot of power,” Nadal said. “I think she has a great intensity playing. Let's see. Of course, looks like she has an amazing future in front. I really wish her all the very best.”
Gauff has only played three tour-level events, counting the 2019 US Open, but already brands are aligning with the rising star. New Balance, Head, Barilla Pasta—with Roger Federer’s Team 8 Agency backing her, more are surely to come.
Nadal says that it is still too early to tell what type of professional career she has. She should take her time, says the 18-time major champion.
“Is tough to put lot of pressure on her now or talk too much about her now,” he said. “Even if she's doing amazing things, she is very young.
“In my opinion, she needs to internalize the things step by step. If not, is easy to lose a little bit the perspective. I really hope that she has the right people around, and she will become a big star of this sport for sure.”
