“I am embarrassed” – Andy Roddick lauds Coco Gauff’s maturity when compared to his younger self

At the young age of 20, American tennis phenom Coco Gauff has already established a resume that would make several veterans jealous. However, the World No.2 possesses an aura and maturity beyond her years, a trait that has been highlighted by former World No.1 Andy Roddick.

Gauff competed at her first Olympic Games as a singles competitor at the ongoing Paris Olympics, but failed to win a medal in any of the singles or doubles events. Regardless, the reigning US Open champion has a lengthy summer to look forward to, as she intends to surpass the benchmarks she reached last year.

Roddick praises Gauff for her intelligence at such a young age
The 2003 US Open champion made an appearance on The Tennis Channel Podcast, where he expressed his admiration for Gauff, who has been branded by many as “the next Serena Williams”. Roddick admitted he felt embarrassed being around Gauff, due to her intelligence and confidence at the young age of 20, traits that he himself lacked at that age.

She is a grown-up,” Roddick said. “Like, I am embarrassed for the 20-yo version of myself whenever am around her. Honestly. She is phenomenal, she is intelligent, she is talented and confident…She is just great.
“You can also see her teammates, don’t regret her, like generally, they like her. They really, really do and I think it’s just a huge deal for tennis to be friend-setter.”

Gauff was chosen as the female flag bearer for the United States during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games. The Atlanta native shared that honor alongside NBA superstar LeBron James, who was selected to be the male flag bearer.