Gauff ‘hungry for more’ Grand Slams after win over Zidansek

Coco Gauff says she is “hungry for more” Grand Slams after beating Tamara Zidansek in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday evening.

The 20-year-old reached the final in Roland-Garros in 2022 but is yet to win the tournament, with last year’s US Open her maiden and only Grand Slam win so far.

Given her age and talent, many expect the American to add to her collection over the rest of her career, and she had little trouble in her 6-3 6-4 win on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

The rain has often affected the play outside the covered courts this week, and speaking on court after her win, Gauff explained that she felt the weather is also making a difference under the roof.

She said: “It was really slow today, so I felt my balls weren’t bouncing as much as normal today. I think it was the humidity from all the rain, which I think caters to her game a little more, so I was just trying to be aggressive.

“I think that in the 4-2 game, I should have broken, but I missed a couple of chances. I was just trying to step in, especially on her second serve.”

Gauff has enjoyed the support of the home crowd for much of her career so far, and she thanked the spectators alongside her, adding: “Thank you guys, they got very loud towards the end, these groups of boys over here.

“I love coming to Paris, it’s my favourite city. Merci beaucoup!”

Gauff was also asked about her experience of winning the US Open in New York, and whether it helps her prepare for this Grand Slam event, but she downplayed the usefulness of past triumphs as she looked ahead.

“Not really, every tournament I’m just trying to reset,” she added. “The past is in the past. Obviously, it’s a great accomplishment but I’m hungry for more.”