Coco Gauff says she only watched Serena Williams play while growing up but remains in awe of other legends like Petra Kvitova

Coco Gauff kicked off her 2023 Qatar Open campaign with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(6) victory over two-time champion Petra Kvitova. This is Gauff's second consecutive Qatar Open quarter-final.

The American youngster has often spoken of her admiration for both Serena and Venus Williams. In a fitting twist of fate, she rocketed to tennis stardom by defeating the elder Williams sister at Wimbledon in 2019, at the mere age of 15 years.

Serena Williams has had a huge influence on aspiring tennis stars, and Coco Gauff was no exception. The young American tennis star idolized Serena from a young age. As a colored girl coming up in Florida's tennis circuit, Gauff could relate to Williams on a level that few others could.

At a post-match press conference in Doha after her win over Kvitova, the 18-year-old was in an ebullient mood. When asked if she had seen anyone other than Serena Williams growing up, she replied that she had mainly followed Serena's career.

"I definitely watched her matches. When she won her first title when I was seven, I didn't see that one. I was just starting tennis. I really only watched like Serena up until probably like eight years old, and that's when I started watching other players," she said.

However, the American reiterated her immense respect for the legends of the game, such as Kvitova and Simona Halep, who have achieved remarkable success in the sport.

"I definitely watched her matches over the years. It's one of those people that you just never think you're going to play. I'd say she's among the players like Simona and Petra, you know, even past players that I've played that now retired, like Petkovic, I just feel like those are players when you step on the court you're like, okay, I have watched you for a long time, like it's kind of weird playing you," Gauff said.

Coco Gauff on dealing with pressure her whole life

Coco Gauff at the 2023 Australian Open

Coco Gauff has been dealing with pressure her entire life. But her maturity has always been evident, particularly in high-pressure situations during big matches.

Gauff has conquered significant matches at the highest level since she was 15, beginning with her breakthrough win against Venus Williams at Wimbledon 2019. The American stated in Doha that managing pressure is something she has become accustomed to since her junior days.

"You know, always at a young age I was always the best of my age group or top of my age group, and that comes with a lot of pressure, so pressure is something I have dealt with my whole life," Gauff expressed.