American tennis star Cori Gauff. 18, admitted she fell into trap of believing that she was “the next Serena Williams.”
Gauff, who turned 18 this past March, revealed she was first compared to Williams when she was eight years old.Ā
Gauff is definitely one of the most promising and talented players on the WTA Tour but being compared to Williams is certainly not an easy thing to handle as many think the 40-year-old American is the greatest player in tennis history.Ā
On Tuesday, Gauff reached her first Grand Slam semifinal after beating fellow compatriot Sloane Stephens 7-5 6-2 in the French Open quarterfinal.Ā
“I think I was, you know, ever since I joined the tour. Or even when I was young or eight, even eight years old, the next Serena, next this, next that, and I think I really fell into the trap of believing that. And, yeah, it’s important that you have high hopes for yourself, but also, at the same time, it’s important to be in reality and I think that’s where I am,” Gauff said, per Sportskeeda.
Gauff: I’m happy and having realistic expectationsĀ
“I’m in reality where I’m enjoying the moment and enjoying the situation. I felt like I was to the point where even when I made the second week or beat Naomi at Australian Open, I remember like I was happy. But I wasn’t like that happy because, I was, like, I feel like that’s what I should do. Whereas now I’m really appreciating each win and loss,” Gauff added.Ā
Gauff will be the favorite in her French Open semifinal as she faces 59th-ranked Martina Trevisan.
Interestingly, the lone meeting between Gauff and Trevisan came at the French Open in 2020.Ā
Back then, Trevisan earned a straight-set win over Gauff in the second round.Ā
“I mean, I think it’s just another match, to be honest. You know, I don’t know. I feel like last year I was looking at the finish line, and now I’m not looking at anything really except that ball in front of me,” Gauff said of her next match.Ā