Coco Gauff has opened up on what she found tougher to achieve - finishing her exams or reaching her first Grand Slam semi-final. The American defeated compatriot Sloane Stephens at the French Open earlier today to seal her place in the last-four.
The teenager has yet to drop a set so far and her serene progress through the event has been impressive to see. But during her on court interview, Gauff explained that graduating from high school was a bigger challenge than reaching the semis in a major for the first time.
"Was graduating tougher? Yes because I know how hard it was to do school and play tennis on the road," said the 18th seed after her 7-5 6-2 victory. "Other players in general get out of sight with life and we think tennis is the most important thing in the world. It is not. So getting my high-school diploma meant a lot to me."
Gauff turned the tables on Stephens after the 2017 US champion dispatched her 6-4, 6-2 at Flushing Meadows last year. The teen outworked the 29-year-old in the numerous long rallies and remained solid as each tried to find a way through the other’s defences.
She served well when she most needed to and brought Stephens forward with regular drop shots, demonstrating the variety that has become an integral part of her game. Her forehand was incredibly consistent and used it to push the 2018 French Open finalist back with an excellent combination of power and topspin, while creating some impressive angles.
After winning the Roland Garros juniors title the same year as Stephens lost to Simona Halep in the women’s final, Gauff is now in a strong position to go one better than her latest opponent. "I feel so happy right now that words can't explain," Gauff added. "Last year's quarter-final was a tough loss and it made me stronger and better prepared for moments like today.
"Last time I played (Stephens) I lost so I'm glad today it went different. I told myself to stay mentally there, and that I know there would be shots that I should probably have made. And there would be some shots that she would get in the court that no players can reach. It was a mental challenge."
Martina Trevisan, one of the tournament’s biggest surprises who knocked out US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, stands between Gauff and a maiden Grand Slam final.
The world number 23 is also playing in the women's doubles at the French Open. She is competing in the third round with Jessica Pegula, who is faced with the daunting task of battling Iga Swiatek in her singles quarter-final tomorrow.
