Coco Gauff, who won her first grand slam title at the US Open last year, is already looking ahead to the future. The 19-year-old American is determined to add at least 10 more grand slam titles to her name.
"That could change depending on how my career goes. Right now, I would say double digits would be pretty awesome," Gauff told reporters ahead of this years Australian Open.
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Ben Shelton, the US tennis star, is determined to not limit his potential. "I might not accomplish it, but I believe aiming high is important. Setting lofty goals pushes me to exceed my own expectations."
Gauff has been identified as one of the future superstars of tennis since making her mark at Wimbledon almost five years ago at the age of 15. Her steady progress and maturity led to her first grand slam title, which she clinched with a comeback win against Aryna Sabalenka at Flushing Meadows in September.
Gauff, as the youngest American woman to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999, considers it a significant achievement. However, she is determined not to dwell on it.
"It's easy to move on from it. Instead of dwelling on the past, I prefer to focus on the future," she explained.
The American is one of the top contenders for the years Australian Open title and says preparation for the tournament hasnt changed since becoming a grand slam champion.
Coco Gauff kisses her trophy after winning the US Open women's singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
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Gauff holds her trophy in front of gathered photographers after her victory.
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Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is recognized for her runner-up finish against Coco Gauff.
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Gauff celebrates her win after the final set.
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Gauff reacts after a point.
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Gauff serves to Sabalenka.
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Sabalenka returns a shot to Gauff.
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Gauff hits a forehand.
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Gauff celebrates a point against Sabalenka.
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Fans cheer for Gauff.
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Gauff returns a shot against Sabalenka.
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Sabalenka serves to Gauff.
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Sabalenka and Gauff pose for a photo with former player Billie Jean King before the match.
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Gauff is introduced ahead of the match.
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A US flag is unfurled during the opening ceremony for the US Open women's singles final.
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In pictures: Coco Gauff victorious in US Open women's final
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The youngster is enjoying a patch of good form, having lifted her second consecutive Auckland Classic - and eighth WTA title overall - after beating Elina Svitolina on January 7.
In the first round in Melbourne, Gauff will go head to head with Slovakian player Anna Karolína Schmiedlová. Her coach, Brad Gilbert, expressed confidence in her ability to handle the pressure of being a major winner.
"If you don't improve, you'll be left behind, especially with new young players emerging every year," Gilbert told CNN Sports Don Riddell.
You cannot control what others say about you, but you can control your actions and how you compete every day. Focus on what is important and do not worry about what the media says you should or should not do.
The Australian Open is set to start on January 14 and will last for 15 days, concluding on January 28. In response to rigorous previous matches that extended into the early hours, organizers have extended the tournament by an extra day to alleviate pressure on both players and fans.