‘I’ve beaten them’ – Coco Gauff on gender gap in tennis after ‘satisfying’ male practise sessions

Coco Gauff recently shared her thoughts on the gender gap in tennis, emphasizing her experiences practicing against male players. The world No. 3 reflected on how these sessions have helped her gain confidence and grow as a player. During an interview, Gauff revealed the satisfaction she feels when she can hold her own or even defeat male practice partners.

“I’ve beaten them,” Gauff said with a smile, discussing her experiences playing against male players in practice. “I think practicing with guys has been really beneficial for me. It helps me prepare for the intensity and speed I face on the WTA Tour. There’s a satisfaction that comes with being able to win points or even sets against them.”

Gauff acknowledged the existing differences in the physicality and power between male and female players but stressed that these practice sessions are crucial for honing her skills and improving her game. “Obviously, there’s a difference in how men and women play, but for me, it’s not about trying to compare. It’s more about challenging myself and pushing my limits.”

She also touched on the broader conversation about gender equality in tennis, noting the strides the sport has made but emphasizing there’s still more progress to be made. “Tennis has been at the forefront of gender equality in sports, especially with equal prize money in many of the biggest tournaments, but I think there’s always room to keep growing and improving in that aspect.”

Gauff’s remarks highlight her determination to continue evolving as a player and her willingness to use every opportunity, including practicing against men, to enhance her game. Her perspective reflects her drive to challenge herself and bridge the gap between genders in tennis, contributing to the ongoing conversation around equality in the sport.