Gauff says playing on Centre Court is 'one of the greatest privileges' but she looked every bit at home on the big stage
, Gauff had practised next to the latter, watching to “memorise the way he hits the ball”. On Centre Court, she channelled both heroes, the power of her idol, sealing her first game without dropping a point, and the technique of the Spaniard, whose rain delayed win caused her to start late.
The teenager was remarkably unperturbed, admitting the new Gauff is “a lot more relaxed than when I was considered the sensation”. “Compared to three years ago there’s definitely a lot more people expecting me to win, but 15-year-old me would still be proud I’m playing on Centre Court!” she said.As she looked to close out the first set, a misguided backhand into the net seemed to jolt her back down to earth, but aside from that she was rarely troubled, except when a seemingly impossible backhand from the baseline was countered by Buzarnescu’s dropshot.
There is no doubt Gauff is capable of mixing it with the best, reaching the final of Roland Garros butWith the world No 1 still looking out of sorts on grass,to lucky loser Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove, the draw has opened up for Gauff to get another shot at becoming the youngest woman to win a slam since Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in 2004. Of the top handful of seeds, Karolina Pliskova and Anett Kontaveit are already out, and there is growing curiosity as to whether Gauff can go all the way.
Victory over Buzărnescu set up a meeting with No 20 seed Anisimova in the third round, the draw having seen her avoid the architects of the two biggest upsets so far in the ladies’ singles –
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lila Moss Is Now A Jacquemus GirlLila Moss went straight from Glastonbury to the South of France.
Read more »
Love Island's Gemma 'buzzing' as she and Luca spend night alone in the hideawayLove Island star Gemma Owen is left 'buzzing' with excitement as she gets to go to the hideaway with Luca Bish in tonight's episode for the first time in the villa
Read more »
Is indyref2 Nicola Sturgeon's biggest political gamble?Nicola Sturgeon set a referendum date without knowing if she has the power to make it happen.
Read more »
Love Island teaser sees Ekin-Su face recoupling dilemma as she gets the 'power'Love Island's Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has finally been given the power as she faces a decision over whether to recouple with Davide Sanclimenti during the latest episode
Read more »