Exclusive – Legend Chris Evert demands protection for the younger generation around Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu

In September last year, Raducanu and Fernandez – both born in 2002 – faced each other in the final of the US Open in New York. At 18, she became the youngest Grand Slam winner since Serena Williams in 1999.

Nevertheless, Evert sees the greatest potential of the growing generation in compatriot Gauff. “She’s on the right track,” said the 18-time Grand Slam winner exclusively at Eurosport. “Of all young players, I am most convinced that she will win many Grand Slams,” said the American.

Above all, Gauff impresses with the mixture of her “hunger” and her “incredible athleticism”, justified the former number one in the world rankings. “She can pack punches, run balls, has power – I have no doubt that she is on the right track to win Grand Slams,” Evert praised the 18-year-old.

Already at the age of 15 Gauff made a name for himself. In 2019 she reached the round of 16 at Wimbledon, only then failed at the former number one in the world, Simona Halep. Nevertheless, she has never made it past the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. She is currently ranked 19th in the world.

Evert: Title from Raducanu an incentive

Meanwhile, Raducanu and Fernandez played the fourth youngest Grand Slam final in women’s tennis history six months ago. The American, on the other hand, failed in the second round to compatriot Sloane Stephens.

Nevertheless, Evert does not believe that Gauff can be put under pressure by victories from Fernandez or Raducanu’s US Open triumph. “I think it would motivate her. I hope she would almost get angry and say: ‘That should have been me’. Or: If they can do it, I can do it too,” Evert explained Interview with Eurosport.

“I think with that attitude she would work harder and want it even more,” she said. However, Evert also emphasized that she was not worried about Gauff: “She’s on course. She’s had more big wins than any other young player. She’s on the right track.”

At the current Indian Wells WTA event, Gauff and Raducanu both failed in the third round. The American lost to the Romanian Halep 3: 6, 4: 6, while the US Open winner of the Croatian Petra Martic had to admit defeat in three sets 7: 6, 4: 6, 5: 7.

Canada’s Fernandez, on the other hand, is in the round of 16.