Coco Gauff highlights her ongoing development, noting Iga Swiatek as a rare peer in an older top 10 field.

Coco Gauff recently reflected on the challenges of being one of the youngest stars in the WTA top 10, reminding fans and critics alike that she is still in the developmental phase of her career. The 20-year-old American, fresh off her second WTA 1000 title at the 2024 China Open, discussed the age gap between herself and her fellow top 10 players, with the exception of Iga Swiatek.

She emphasized that most of the current top 10, like Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula, are over 25 years old, which places her in a unique position as a rising talent still refining her game.

After a disappointing early exit at the US Open, Gauff made significant changes by parting ways with her coach Brad Gilbert and embracing a new partnership with Matt Daly. Her decision to compete in Beijing, despite earlier plans to skip the China Open for training, proved fruitful as she dominated the tournament, defeating Karolina Muchova in the final. Despite her success, Gauff remains grounded, acknowledging that her game is still a work in progress and that she has much more to learn and improve upon as she continues her career.

Looking ahead, Gauff is focused on further solidifying her place in the top ranks as she gears up for the Wuhan Open. With Swiatek pulling out of the event to recalibrate after a coaching change, the spotlight remains on Gauff as she seeks to build on her momentum. Her journey is a testament to her perseverance and determination to grow, and while she celebrates her achievements, she remains fully committed to honing her craft and pushing her career to new heights.