Coco Gauff, a 15 year-old qualifier, made a surprising run to the fourth round of Wimbledon 2019 and few people can understand her feelings.Alexandra Stevenson might be able to. Alexandra Stevenson can empathize with the struggles of a teenage athlete thrust onto the sports' biggest stage, and all the associated emotions.Stevenson stated, "After I won at Wimbledon, it was difficult to adjust." "But Coco has had a fantastic 2021 and she's come back stronger than ever."Stevenson was just 18 weeks away from graduating highschool when she captured the attention of the world with her incredible story and gutsy play. She reached the semifinals at The All England Club 1999.Stevenson admittedly doesn’t see many parallels between Gauff’s story and Stevenson’s but she didn’t feel any different after her Cinderella run. However, everything around her changed: the expectations, the hype, and the stares from strangers as well as those in the locker rooms.Gauff's life was transformed too. Gauff became instantly a household name and was considered the next big thing in the sport.Both are at Wimbledon this year -- Gauff seems to be finding magic for her second career, while Stevenson is an ESPN commentator.Next up, Gauff will face Kaja Juvan in Saturday's third round. Many had speculated about a fourth round clash with Serena Williams as soon as the draw was announced. However, Williams had to withdraw from her first match because of injury. Angelique Kerber, the only seeded opponent she could face in Round 16 if she was to advance, is now Angelique Kerber.There are many top-seeded women having fallen, so there is no chance for Gauff not to make her best performance yet. Watching Gauff answer questions about Jaden Smith, or any of her viral TikTok videos will show that she is still a teenager.Stevenson stated that she doesn't play like 17-year-olds. Stevenson said that while she naturally has the talent, her mental and physical development as a player are extraordinary. She could definitely have a run here."She would be able to tell.Alexandra Stevenson remarked on Coco Gauff’s media training and support. AP Photo/Alberto PezzaliAlthough Gauff was not visible to casual tennis fans at Wimbledon 2019, those who knew her were already identifying her as a star-in-the making. She was 11 years old when she began training at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy. As a 13-year-old, she became the youngest girl to be crowned US Open champion. At 14, she won the French Open junior title. Soon after, she signed with Roger Federer’s agency and inked lucrative contracts with New Balance and Head.Stevenson had a fairly normal childhood. Stevenson played in junior events, but she went to a traditional highschool. She even skipped 1999 French Open to go to prom and to perform in "Grease." When she arrived in Birmingham, England, she was so green. She didn't know there were special shoes for grass surfaces and had to borrow her coach’s.She won her three qualifying matches the following week to reach the Wimbledon main draw. She was the No. She had been the No. 1 seed in qualifying but Kardon and Samantha did not tell her until after the event was over. They didn't want her feeling any pressure.After securing her place in the main draw, Steffi Graf, who was sitting at the next table, congratulated her and she realized how unique the opportunity was. Kardon took her on a tour of the grounds, stopping at each court and even taking a piece from Centre Court. He shared his history and memories.Stevenson stated that he felt at home there from the moment he walked through the gates. "I've been watching Wimbledon since I was five years old and it felt like it was the place I was meant to go. It was Wimbledon that I felt it.Stevenson made an agreement with her mother that she would become a professional and give up her college eligibility if it came to the semifinals.Many expected Gauff would one day make it deep into Grand Slams. But few believed it would happen in her first major as a 15 year old. She received a wildcard into qualifying and advanced to the main draw.In the first round, she defeated Venus Williams, one her childhood heroes, before a packed court 1. Stevenson was not surprised by Gauff's polished performance despite her young age.Stevenson stated that Stevenson is surrounded by the best people in all aspects of her life. Stevenson said that this includes trainers, physios, and even media training. Although it wasn't as common when I started, it made a big difference. Although I cannot go back in time, I wish I had the same support as she.Gauff was nicknamed "CocoMania" and became the talk of the tournament. Fans and journalists loved her candor during interviews, which made her matches a must-see event. After losing the first set to Polona Hercog, she was faced with match point at 5:2 in the second. She then rallied for an unlikely comeback on Centre Court.Many A-listers including Michelle Obama, Tina Knowles and-Lawson sent in tweets. Although her parents tried to protect her, her father said that she was aware of all the attention she was getting. Gauff claimed that she screamed at Beyonce's mom when she saw her.Stevenson stated, "When I said that I believed I could win I was criticized by the media," but she said, "but now I'm happy you can say it." She should have faith in her abilities. AP Photo/Alberto PezzaliAlthough she lost to Simona Halep in the next round, her status was steadily increasing. She was already wearing a New Balance custom outfit and was promoting the brand's "Call me Coco” campaign by the time the US Open began less than two months after the event. Stevenson said she was incredibly proud of her third round performance in New York and that it was a remarkable feat considering the pressure on her. She also won her first WTA singles title, October 2019.The No. 2 ranked Gauff is back in the tournament two years after her Wimbledon debut. The 23-ranked Gauff is poised to make a breakthrough in her career, and she seems even more comfortable in the spotlight. Gauff reached the quarterfinals of the French Open last month and has won two straight-set victories so far at All England Club, including one against Elena Vesnina at Centre Court.Stevenson did not play on Centre Court until the semifinals. Instead, she was relegated for the majority of her run to the outer courts before being placed on the old Court No. For the quarterfinals, Stevenson was relegated to the outer courts for most of her run before being moved on to the old Court No. 2. She noted that women were rarely allowed to play in the main arena until the end of the tournament. Stevenson can relate to Gauff’s self-belief and attitude, but that's only one of many differences she sees in her experience.Tennis Major Pick 'Em - Make your picks to compete for $1,000 Take Your PicksAfter her win on Thursday, Gauff stated that "[It's]] not every day that you step on the courts you're going to be your best tennis player so I don't expect anything." "I would say that I believe more than I can say. I don’t like the word "expectations", I don’t like that word. I prefer the word ‘belief'. I believe that I can win."I believe that I believed that in 2019 and that I still believe it now. Nothing has changed. No matter what ranking I am in, my goal is to win the tournament every time regardless of what others think. However, I can say that my goal is clearer now than in 2019. My belief and the feeling that I can get far is stronger than ever.Stevenson said, "When my belief in winning was challenged by the media, I was happy that you now can affirm it." She should have faith in her abilities.
