Coco Gauff had doubts about an ailing Rafa Nadal’s possibilities ultimately yr’s French Open, solely to see him romp to a 14th title on the Paris Grand Slam, and the ladies’s world quantity 5 mentioned she’s going to by no means underestimate him once more at Roland Garros.
Nadal, 36, has not performed since struggling a hip damage on the Australian Open in January and there are doubts in regards to the Spaniard’s participation in Paris after the 22-time main champion pulled out of the Italian Open.
Gauff mentioned Nadal can be her first choose to win in Paris if he’s match sufficient to play, regardless of his lack of time on the court docket.
“I don’t think he needs match experience,” the 19-year-old advised reporters in Rome. “I’m sure he probably would have preferred to play some matches before. He and Roland Garros is something special.
“I made the mistake of doubting him (last year),” the American added. “Next thing you know, he pretty much stormed his way to the final and won in straight sets.”
Gauff, who completed runner-up to Iga Swiatek on the French Open final yr, continues her build-up to the May 28-June 11 match when she faces Marie Bouzkova in Rome on Saturday.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com