Chris Evert and Coco Gauff once had a candid discussion about their longstanding connection. Evert also explained why she chose not to give the young American too much advice when she was 12 years old.
Gauff rose to prominence when she was just 15 years old after she defeated five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the 2019 edition of the grasscourt Major. But the American had been on Evert’s radar even before that, having trained at the former World No. 1’s academy in Boca Raton, Florida, as a 12-year-old.
In a joint interview with Vogue shortly before the 2023 US Open, Chris Evert recalled that Coco Gauff had made an impression on her by being one of the top players in her age group. However, Gauff joked that the 18-time Grand Slam champion had no idea who she was.
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"I think Coco and I were always aware of each other. We first met at the Evert Tennis Academy—she was one of the leading players in her age group," Evert said.
"I was 12 years old. You had no clue who I was," Gauff responded.
Evert also disclosed that she didn't feel the need to mentor Gauff because she already had a stellar support system in place with her family. However, the former World No. 1 did say that she took up the responsibility of giving young players like Gauff advice when they asked for it.
"I mean. . . I was meeting a lot of 12-year-olds! But as far as mentoring goes, the thing with Coco is that she’s always had a great support system—there was really no need for me to butt in and say, "Well, Coco, this is what I think you should be doing," Evert said.
"Honestly, I think a lot of the former players feel a responsibility that if any younger player comes up to them and asks them anything about pressure or living on the tour or the hardships that accompany fame and fortune, we are more than welcome to give them some advice," she added.
Furthermore, Chris Evert said Coco Gauff had "really, really good parents" who helped her stay grounded amid all her success on tour.
"I have good family support and a team" - Coco Gauff echoed Chris Evert's sentiments about her support system
During the interview, Coco Gauff echoed Chris Evert's praise for her support system. She also disclosed that her family and coaching team were helping her explore her interests outside tennis.
"Long-term, I have good family support and a team around me to help guide me through those things. When I was younger, I really was just only focused on tennis, and I still focus pretty much only on tennis—but as I'm getting older, I'm learning about just adulting in general," Coco Gauff said.
Mere days later, Gauff produced a strong campaign at the 2023 US Open, beating the likes of Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Ostapenko and Karolina Muchova to reach the final. She then claimed a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Aryna Sabalenka to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title.
Chris Evert penned a touching congratulatory message for Coco Gauff after her win, hailing her as a "great champion" and "extraordinary human being."
