Coco Gauff, US tennis team ready for Billie Jean Cup Finals in Scotland
This is it for Coco Gauff – the last event of a grueling 2022 season for the 18-year-old American tennis star.
Gauff hopes to go out with a stars-and-stripes bang in Scotland before returning to South Florida for rest, relaxation and little more sun than found in Great Britain this time of year.
After having a rough time at last week’s WTA season-ending championships in Fort Worth, Texas, Gauff boarded a plane for Glasgow for a nine-hour flight to be one of five women to represent the United States in the Billie Jean Cup Finals (formerly known as The Fed Cup, women’s version of the Davis Cup).
It was a long haul, but Gauff is pumped even after losing all three matches at the round-robin WTA event that invites the top 8 players.
“It’s definitely a trip, but finishing the year off on this note will be great for me,’’ Gauff told The Palm Beach Post in a phone interview from Glasgow. “
TUESDAY: Australia beats Slovakia to open Billie Jean King Cup
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"Texas didn’t go the way I wanted it to go. That motivated me even more to come here, Gauff continued. "It’s very rare tennis experiences a team atmosphere. I played other team sports like basketball. That’s the one thing I did miss from playing (basketball). The Billie Jean Cup is what brings you closest to that.’’
The USA matches start Wednesday against Poland, then Friday against the Czech Republic. If USA advances, it will play in the semifinals Saturday. (The USA matches will be televised by Tennis Channel).
Despite her Texas troubles, Gauff, who turns 19 in March, was absolutely satisfied with her year. She will finish ranked 7th in the world.
In her breakthrough moment, Gauff took Paris by storm in marching to the French Open finals. At the US Open in September, Gauff advanced to her first quarterfinals with “Let’s Go Coco’’ chants echoing into the Flushing Meadows air. She became the youngest US woman to advance to the US Open quarters in 13 years.
All this during her first year with age restrictions lifted, allowing a full slate.
“Obviously it was a great year,’’ Gauff said. “I have a lot of high expectations for myself. Overall, I think it’s the best year of my career so far. It’s the most I’ve played tournament-wise. I hope next year is even better.’’
In Fort Worth, Gauff was 0-3, including losses to US Open champion Iga Swiatek and the eventual WTA champion Caroline Garcia, who also upended Gauff in Queens.
“It’s a tough event,’’ Gauff said. “For me, it was an adjustment, having to come back after a loss. Usually you have a couple of days to reset. I was playing every night because of doubles. It was mentally challenging.’’
Indeed it was also a slog for Jessica Pegula, a Boca Raton, Florida, resident and top-ranked American who also went 0-3, then withdrew her name from the Billie Jean Cup. No kilts for Pegula.
Gauff, two other Floridians on US team
Gauff is joined by Madison Keys, who lives in Orlando, Danielle Collins (St. Petersburg resident), Taylor Townsend and Caty McNally, Gauff’s former doubles partner.
“I wouldn’t have come here if I couldn’t give 100 percent to the team,’’ Gauff said. “That was part of Jess’ decision. Pretty brave to step away when you know you’re not at your best. Texas was a lot, but it’s in the past.’’
USA captain Kathy Rinaldi praised Gauff’s willingness to volunteer her services after Texas.
“Very thankful Coco is coming,’’ Rinaldi said. “Great effort on her part. It’s a long year for all these players. It’s quick turnaround. When you play for your country, the adrenaline kicks in. It’s a fun week. I hope to make it a fun week for Coco.’’
Gauff said she may try on one of the traditional kilts.
“I haven’t gotten into a kilt yet but I know Taylor’s coach was getting fitted for one,’’ Gauff said.
USA has won 18 Fed Cup/BJK Cup titles and has the talent to do so again. Rinaldi credited the Williams sisters for having four Americans in the top 15.
“I’m super exited,’’ Gauff said. “I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think we had a shot to win. Playing for your country is a privilege I don’t want to take for granted. It would mean a lot if we can lift a trophy here.’’
After that, Gauff will return to Delray Beach, Florida, put down her racket for a couple of weeks and savor her 2022 accomplishments.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Coco Gauff, US tennis team ready for Billie Jean Cup finals in Scotland
