Wimbledon run is over, but Coco Gauff is just getting started

Coco Gauff discusses her feelings of confidence before the Tokyo Olympics after she lost to Angelique Kerber in Wimbledon's fourth round. (0:44).Coco Gauff arrived at Wimbledon in 2019, a year before the mainstream sports fan. It was a worldwide success story, with one name: Coco Gauff. This is due to her incredible run to the fourth round, as well as her enthusiasm and charming interviews.Since then, she has risen up the rankings to No. 23rd in the world, coming off her first quarterfinal appearance at the French Open last month, the 17-year-old was full of expectations for her first trip back to the All England Club.Gauff stated that she believes the pain of losing to Barbora Krejcikova, the eventual champion at Roland Garros, would make her a Grand Slam champion. Many wondered if Gauff's words would be realized in London after three straight sets victories at Wimbledon. With many top players absent, some of the oddsmakers had her as a favorite to win the title.Angelique Kerber, the 2018 Wimbledon champion lost those hopes Monday with a 6-4 6-4 win. However, Gauff is still one of the most promising young tennis talents and she will bring her rising momentum and increased self-assurance to the hard court season that begins with the Tokyo Olympics later in the month.Gauff stated Monday that he is capable of competing against high-level players, and players who have won Grand Slams previously. "[Going] to [the] Olympics is] a great feeling. It feels like I'm right there."After her strong performance in Paris, Gauff was awarded the fourth and final spot on the U.S. Olympic roster. However, Serena Williams, Sofia Kenin, and Gauff have both been relegated. Gauff is now the second-ranked player on the team and will be playing singles as well as doubles. She will be the youngest Olympian from any country in the sport since 2000. However, she is not the only one with limited experience at the event. All four singles players from Team USA, as well as one of the doubles specialists, will be their first Olympians. The draw is open to all, despite the fact that many of the best players will be absent, including Simona Halep from Romania, Williams, Kenin, and complicated coronavirus-related protocol protocols. Gauff may have as good an opportunity as any to win an Olympic gold medal.Billie Jean King, a tennis legend, says Coco Gauff has both the game and the attitude to be No. 1. Julian Finney/Getty ImagesGauff stated that her family has been watching the Games since childhood, but she doesn't remember any of her favorite moments from those times. Gauff said that track stars Allyson Felix, Usain Bolt and the gymnastics competitions are the things she remember most about Rio 2016. But now, she can make her own memories.After Gauff returns from Japan, the US Open hard-court series will resume in full swing. She will likely play in Montreal or Cincinnati before the final major of the year. Gauff lost in the US Open opener in 2019, but she was able to reach the third round in 2019. She will be a fan favorite as the crowds will return to 100% this year. An impressive performance in Tokyo will only increase the hype and expectations.WTA Tour used to be a common place for teenagers to win Grand Slam titles or dominate the rankings. Tracy Austin, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis and Monica Seles were all 16 years old when they won their first major trophy. Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams were 17. The depth of women's tennis is greater than ever, making it more difficult for any age to win. Despite such intense, unrivalled competition, Gauff seems to be approaching the sport's greatest milestones.Billie Jean King, 12-time major champion, said that "Coco is" doing the right thing in an interview with ESPN last Wednesday. She's hard at work, and she's improving her serve as well as her forehand. She's making a great effort and I have seen huge improvements in her serve and forehand over the past two years. She'll be the No. 1 in the long-term. She'll be No. 1 in the world.She's fast, she has a long wingspan and she loves it. She has the "it" factor, which is something that all kids need to possess when they step on a showcase court. Some children don't enjoy playing on showcase courts. Coco thrives being on a showcase court. She wants to be number 1. She wants to be No. 1, and she has the goods."Pick the Tennis Major and Win $1,000 Take Your PicksMonday's match was a battle of the experienced Kerber and Gauff. Kerber, a three time major champion, won the first set with just 14% points. Kerber won 100% and converted four of five of her five break points. Kerber was nevertheless impressed by what she saw in her opponent's game.Kerber stated that she believes she has a bright future ahead of her during her post-match interview. Kerber said, "I'm sure she will have a great career. I know she will be playing here many times again." She might win the title one day, I think. It's possible.Gauff isn’t finished at the tournament yet. After being delayed by rain, Caty McNally and Gauff are still alive in doubles. They are expected to return for their third round match against Veronika Kudermetova or Elena Vesnina. They have reached the quarterfinals of two majors and won three WTA titles. Gauff expressed hope that they could go far this week.Gauff was dressed to play doubles, and she appeared just seconds after the match had been delayed. She was upbeat Monday when speaking with media, but did not hide her sadness about Monday's defeat.Gauff stated, "I know that I can do better." It's going to motivate me to practice more and make my return stronger.Speak like a champion