WTA Tour news: Coco Gauff gives special person credit after Cincinnati win

WTA Tour news: Coco Gauff gives special person credit after Cincinnati win appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Coco Gauff is through to the round of 32 in the Cincinnati Open after rallying to beat Liudmila Samsonova, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, on Sunday at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Gauff is looking for her first title this year after falling short despite strong runs at Wimbledon, the Miami Open, the Italian Open, the Dubai Tennis Championship, and the National Bank Open.

Her victory over Samsonova was extra special, as her dad was celebrating his 55th birthday. The 22-year-old Gauff made sure to give a special shoutout to him during her postmatch interview. She also offered a gentle reminder.

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“I didn’t want to lose on his birthday. My dad means a lot to me. He’s the reason why I’m playing this sport and have so much belief. If it was up to my dad, he would say I can beat anyone, even if Carlos Alcaraz is on the other side,” said Gauff.

“That really shows the belief he has in me. I love him so much. To all the tennis dads out there, be good to your girls. Don’t put too much pressure on them. The most important thing my dad instilled in me was just to have fun.”

With the guidance of her dad, Gauff burst onto the scene as a teen sensation, debuting on the WTA Tour at 15 years old. She became the youngest player in the Open Era to qualify for the main draw of Wimbledon.

The world No. 4 admitted that she could play better. But she also acknowledged that she cannot be on top all the time. The important thing is to keep showing up.

“Whenever I focus on my joy in the sport, that’s when the results come. The losses make the wins more special, so I’m definitely grateful to be out here. I just try to give myself the best mentality out here on the court,” added Gauff.

The two-time Grand Slam champion will face Ann Li in the round of 32 on Monday.