Coco Gauff Lightheartedly Compares Her Game to Rafael Nadal After Stuttgart Win

But she quickly clarified her comments, offering a self-deprecating clarification, “Like a Walmart version of Rafa. I don’t want to be obliterated online. Like a lesser version of Rafa, OK?”

Gauff has consistently named Nadal as her favourite among the ‘Big 3’, having admired his “unmatched” intensity, mentality, and practice habits.

And just like Nadal, Gauff is one of the best clay court players around at 22. Gauff reached both the WTA 1000 Finals at the Madrid Open and Rome Open last year but lost both to Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini, respectively.

But Gauff got the last laugh, winning the prestigious Roland Garros and subsequently getting her revenge against the World No.1 Sabalenka. It was her second Grand Slam title in Paris.

“It’s a surface which I love and hate. Today there were some points where I hated it and some points where I loved it, but obviously I have a lot of success on clay, so I definitely think it’s a surface that suits my playing style.” Gauff admitted.

Although the World No.3 will have to find her footing soon, as she faces off against a former Roland Garros finalist in the quarterfinals of the Stuttgart Open.

Coco Gauff to Go Against Karolina Muchova in the Quarterfinals

Coco’s next order of business puts her up against an in-form Karolina Muchova. The Czech No.1 has risen to new heights this year, which saw her take the Qatar Cup home.

However, Muchova has not fared well against Gauff, who has beaten her six times H2H. While Gauff enters the clash with a significant mental upper hand, she notes that every match is unique.

“I mean, it’s pro sports. Anybody can win on any day. I mean, obviously, you take what you did well in the last matches and try to do it again, but like I said, anything can happen.” Gauff said.

“She’s a great player. She’s a great clay court player too, so yeah, I don’t take any of those matches into account. I just try to focus on what the goals I have for tomorrow, and hopefully I can come out with a win.” The 22-year-old added.

Gauff will hope to secure her first title of the season in Stuttgart, making her overall trophy tally 12.

Who do you think takes the win in Stuttgart – Coco or Muchova?