Coco Gauff admits it won’t be easy to join Serena Williams in achieving Channel Slam

Coco Gauff admits it won't be easy to join Serena Williams in achieving Channel Slam© Wimbledon/X – Fair Use

Coco Gauff would love to become the first player since her idol Serena Williams to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year but admits it is easier said than done and therefore she isn’t putting much pressure on herself to pull off a Channel Slam.

At this past French Open, the 21-year-old became the first American player since the great Williams to make it all the on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Now, the world No. 2 will try to become the first US female player since her idol to win Wimbledon.

Coco Gauff reveals why it's 'crazy' to be in Serena Williams conversation  after French Open win

If Gauff collects the main glory at The Championships this year, she will also become the first player WTA player since Williams in 2015 to win both the French Open and Wimbledon. Evidently, it is a difficult task and the new two-time Grand Slam champion is aware of that.

Gauff: I would love to achieve a Channel Slam but I’m not putting that much pressure on myself

“I understand why it [a Channel Slam] hasn’t been done that often. Except I guess Carlos [Alcaraz], he makes it look pretty easy. Novak [Djokovic], too. I didn’t realize it was 10 years since Serena,” the 21-year-old said.

“I would love to do that. Also, I’m not going to put that much pressure on myself because I’ve been telling my team and people around me, this is all new territory for me. I’m trying to take it as I go. If I were to end up there, it would be great. If not, I’ll try to come up with a better way to prepare for this tournament next year.”

Truth be told, there are reasons why Gauff is keeping her expectations low heading into this year’s Wimbledon – she didn’t make it past the round-of-16 in any of her first five appearances at The All England Club. Also, it is not a secret that grass is the trickiest surface for her game.

However, that doesn’t change the fact that Gauff is one of the best players of the game and she will always be considered a favorite at a Grand Slam.