What Roger Federer was like with Coco Gauff back in 2020 when she was playing her first ever Australian Open

Back in 2020, when Coco Gauff made her breakthrough at the Australian Open, Roger Federer showed great support and admiration for the young rising star. Gauff, who was just 15 years old at the time, was already gaining attention after her incredible run at Wimbledon in 2019, and by the time she reached Melbourne, the tennis world was watching her closely. Federer, known for his humility and support of younger players, was no exception.

Federer had already been familiar with Gauff’s potential, as she was a product of his management company, Team8, which had signed her when she was just a junior. He had followed her journey closely and was genuinely impressed by her talent and maturity at such a young age. During the 2020 Australian Open, Gauff made headlines by defeating Venus Williams for the second time in her young career and then stunning the defending champion, Naomi Osaka, in a remarkable upset.

Federer praised Gauff’s performance and her composure, noting how she handled the pressures of the big stage with grace and poise. In interviews, he spoke highly of her work ethic and mindset, emphasizing that she had the right attitude to succeed on the tour for years to come. Federer’s support was not just professional, but also personal—he was a mentor figure, providing guidance and encouragement to Gauff during this crucial phase of her career.

For Gauff, having someone like Federer in her corner during her first Australian Open was an incredible source of motivation. She has often spoken about how much she admires Federer and how his advice and belief in her helped her navigate the pressures of being a young player in the spotlight. Their connection, fostered through Team8, gave Gauff access to one of the greatest players in tennis history, who became a source of inspiration and support as she embarked on her journey to the top.