America has recently seen the rise of multiple young talented players. One of them is American tennis sensation Coco Gauff who has made a name for herself because of her swift and steady rise. However, there is yet another arrival at the scene. A 21-year-old recently took down former world no. 1 Karolina Pliskova to secure herself a second-round match against Gauff at the Citi Open. Now, ATP tennis star Frances Tiafoe is looking forward to the exciting face-off.

Praising both players and comparing their capabilities, Tiafoe wishes to see if the new youngster can persevere against the 19-year-old Coco Gauff.

Frances Tiafoe sits in anticipation to watch Coco Gauff face a rising star

21-year-old Hailey Baptiste took down former world no. 1 Karolina Pliskova in a three-set thriller. This has now brought the limelight upon Baptiste whose talents were vouched for by none other than Frances Tiafoe. After succeeding in round two of the Citi Open, Tiafoe shed light on the thrilling face-off between Gauff and Baptiste.

He started with how it is for the rising player, “Massive. Massive for her.” He also commented on how this match is important for her rise in the tennis realm. He stated, “Let’s see if those lights are going to be too bright or if she steps up to the plate.”

Complimenting Baptiste on her performance he stated, “Beat a quality player, former No. 1 in the world, here in D.C. Everyone loves a great story.” Tiafoe has on multiple occasions praised Gauff on her astounding performance but he has seen something in Baptiste. That’s why, he added, “To be honest with you, I think she can beat Coco.”

Apart from giving her a hug and hyping her up, Tiafoe wants her to be grounded for her next match. He said, “But I want her to turn a page. Wash her hands with it and get ready for tomorrow, because she’s got a tall order.” Not underestimating Coco Gauff is his biggest warning as he knows how good she can be. Tiafoe concluded with, “Coco is an unbelievable player, and we all know what Coco does.” 

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Tiafoe is a huge digger for on-court drama and action. And maybe that is what he is anticipating to see in a Gauff-Baptiste face-off. But Gauff herself is all in for the drama.

Gauff on promoting tennis through ‘trash-talk’

The debate around ‘trash-talking’ started with Frances Tiafoe who vouched for it. He is of the view that the crowd comes for entertainment and that is one way to enssure that they are getting that.

His compatriot Gauff is also of the same opinion. In an interview with the WTA Insider, she stated that tennis can benefit from it. More fans would rush in to catch on to the drama. However, giving an example of basketball, she hoped that the “trash-talk” stays on the court and not create any personal vengeance between the players.

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Do you agree with Gauff? Do you think Baptiste will manage to beat her? Share your views in the comments below!