Coco Gauff is currently in the best form of her career. America has pinned its hopes on the teenager to win the major US Open title. Gauff’s current form and winning back-to-back titles have definitely given her an advantage over other Americans at the year’s fourth and final Grand Slam. But a fellow American, who won her first-round match as well, revealed how the focus on Gauff made her feel.

Gauff has reached the finals of a Grand Slam only once before – Roland Garros in 2022. At Flushing Meadows, she has also never got past the quarter-finals in Singles, which was in 2021. Again, no American has won the home Slam since Sloane Stephens. All this goes on to fuel the pressure that the 19-year-old is already carrying.

Coco Gauff receives admiration from her compatriot and friend

Though there are more experienced players than Gauff in the draw, tennis pundits and fans have their eyes fixed on the teenager. The immaculate pairing of Gauff and Brad Gilbert has moved mountains for the American sensation. The teenager’s game showed visible improvements as she took daring but calculated risks in deciding which shot to play in her Round 1 thriller at the US Open.

The entire country was highly focused on World No. 6’s sensational play. A former World No. 2 doubles champion was no different either, as she dished out her honest take on Gauff.

After winning against Camila Giorgi, Jessica Pegula addressed the question of Gauff receiving more attention than her. Pegula replied, “I don’t know. Maybe it’s good (smiling). Coco can take it, that pressure, not me. I don’t know. No, I mean, I don’t mind. She’s been winning a lot. I think she deserves a lot of that attention. She’s obviously very young. She’s been playing really well. She’s super electric to watch.”

Pegula revealed that Gauff loves the crowd and New York City. Talking about her pick, the 29-year-old said, “No, I don’t really have a preference. Either way, I think I just want to continue to win matches and do the best that I can.”

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The six-time major quarterfinalist in singles also revealed why she is content with not being the center of attention while stating who else can win the title.

America’s top doubles partners are likely the gateway to clinching the US Open

Two WTA players have dominated the three-tournament American swing before the US Open: Gauff and Pegula. America’s No. 1 player, Pegula clinched the Canadian Open title, while Gauff bagged the Citi Open and Cincinnati Masters.

Based on their current statistics and gameplay, Gauff and Pegula stand a good chance of winning the iconic doubles too, as far as Americans are concerned. But Grand Slams are a box of surprises, and nothing can be asserted till the final point is played and the title clinched.

The Canadian Open winner said it makes her feel pleasant not to handle all the pressure. She revealed how Flushing Meadows is full of opportunities to dig deep and that many players can make it big in the last Slam of the year. Pegula asserted that there are six other potential countrywomen who could win the title, ending America’s six-year drought since Stephens won the title in 2017.

What do you think will happen? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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