"I never label myself that, I always said I just want to be the best that I can be" - Coco Gauff on being called the "future of women's tennis"

Coco Gauff recently reflected on being touted as the next big thing in women's tennis. The teenager has been making strides in the sport, and experts are already calling her the "future of women's tennis."

In the quarterfinals of the ongoing Dubai Tennis Championship, Gauff survived a late scare to beat compatriot Madison Keys. In her post-match press conference, Gauff was asked to speak on the notion of her being the face of the next generation of women's tennis, and whether it exerts any pressure on her.

The World No. 6 responded by admitting that such expectations put pressure on her, but said that she never endorsed these notions. Coco Gauff further mentioned how these talks have affected her in the past, especially after losses.

"Definitely it puts pressure on you. I never label myself that. I always said I just want to be the best that I can be. It definitely adds pressure to it, especially when you have these losses, people say things about you, the rest of your life," she said.

Gauff continued by saying how she turns a deaf ear to these comparisons and focuses on her career instead. The American also said that she takes inspiration from players who have had a bad year but made a comeback soon after.

"I have to remind myself I think I have a long career ahead of me, so I can't really dwell on the outside comments early. I also have to remind myself, just looking at other players, their experience, how they've kind of had a bad year one year, then had a great year the next year," Coco Gauff added.

Gauff highlighted how Iga Swiatek bounced back after losing a few matches early in 2022 to win the French Open. She also mentioned Aryna Sabalenka and how she struggled last year during January.

"I remember before Iga won Roland Garros, she had lost like a bunch of matches before," Gauff said. "Same with Sabalenka. That swing in January last year, she wasn't playing her best. She still had a good year last year, even though she says she didn't feel like. She still made top eight."

"But it's just like those experiences, I have to just remind myself that's life. There's ups and downs and you have to just wait for your moment and keep working hard for that moment," Coco Gauff added.

"Unless you're like Roger, it's quite impossible" - Coco Gauff on not showing any emotions on court to remain calm

At the young age of 18, Coco Gauff has already made a name for herself in the sport. Having reached the singles as well as the doubles finals of the 2022 French Open, Gauff attained her career-high ranking of No. 4 last year. She also held the No. 1 spot in doubles for some time in 2022.

Speaking about how she remains calm and maintains her composure during matches, Gauff said that although she tries to refrain from showing any emotion, it is really tough to do so unless you are Roger Federer.

"Oh, definitely teach myself. I'm still not perfect. There's moments where I definitely get frantic. But I think it's improving," she said.

"I feel like at least now, the last couple matches, you can't really get more calm than this. I'm not trying to go on the court and not crack a reaction at all. Unless you're like Roger, it's quite impossible."

She further stated that even if she exhibits certain emotions, she should always be able to regain her composure quickly so she can focus on her game.

"There's times I might get on myself. That's just my personality. I think it's more so not necessarily the reaction, it's more so how fast you can reset from that reaction," Coco Gauff added.

Despite being a former World No. 1 in doubles and reaching two Major doubles finals, Gauff is yet to win her maiden Grand Slam title.