Coco Gauff in action during the 2020 Australian Open (Image credit: Getty)
Coco Gauff is one of the most promising youngsters in women’s tennis at the moment. She is only 17 and will celebrate her 18th birthday on March 13
Answering reporters on Media Day at the 2022 BNP Paribas Open, Coco Gauff said she is thrilled to become an adult soon as she won’t need her parents to fill out her documents.
The World no. 17 was asked about what excites her the most as she is a few hours away from celebrating her 18th birthday. “No more having parents fill out my documents and stuff, so I’m excited for that,” Gauff said.
She elaborated: “I guess it’s been three years since I really started playing on tour and the time has gone by fast. I really can’t believe that I’m going to legally be an adult, but my parents won’t see me as one.”
She was asked how she would reflect on her three-year career on tour so far. Her reply was a mature one. She said she has done a decent job and has been trying continuously to become a role model for the kids.
“For me, honestly it’s not the on-court accomplishments,” she said. “It’s more how I accepted everything and tried to be a role model for kids. I feel like the last three years so much has happened in the world and for me in my career. I think I’ve done a decent job in handling it all.”
Gauff didn’t mince her words when asked about her stand after the Anti-LGBTQ bill that was passed in Florida.
The bill would prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for many young students and it’s officially named the “Parental Rights in Education” bill. It will give parents the right to take legal action against school districts that transgress the legislation
I’m against it,” Gauff said. “I think that these conversations are important, and for me, who has friends in the LGBTQ+ community, I couldn’t imagine not being able to talk about your identity. I feel like that’s something that is normal.
Gauff is teaming with Caty McNally in the Indian Wells Masters. They went past the team of Lauren Davis and Christina McHale 6-3, 6-3 in their match in the Round of 32.
She will take on Claire Liu in her first match of the singles competition. This match will be in the Round of 64. Gauff who defeated veteran Venus Williams in the opening round at Wimbledon 2019 would look to win both events here.
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