Coco Gauff explains how Rafael Nadal changed her mindset
Coco Gauff moved into the third round of the Italian Open after a straight-sets win over Tereza Valentova, 6-3, 6-4. The American wasn’t at her sharpest, and she drew some criticism for how she reacted to a double fault in the opening set.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Coco Gauff moved into the third round of the Italian Open after a straight-sets win over Tereza Valentova, 6-3, 6-4. The American wasn’t at her sharpest, and she drew some criticism for how she reacted to a double fault in the opening set. But despite not being at her best, Gauff managed to pull through and book her place in the next round.
Afterwards, she spoke about a quote from Rafael Nadal that has influenced her approach. Rafael Nadal’s quote helps Coco Gauff remain focused on the present Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images Speaking after her win, Gauff was asked if she’s using Rome as a springboard for Roland Garros. “Obviously it would be great to have a deep run, to have some momentum before Roland Garros,” she said.
“But every tournament is new, and you know the Rafa [Nadal] quote, what happened in Madrid, happened in Madrid, and we are in Rome, and then we will be in Paris. “I think I live by that quote because you can have an alright season; tennis is funny. All it takes is one good week and your season can go from bad to good.
” Nadal was often questioned about his form during that stretch but responded with one of the most iconic quotes in tennis. “What happened in Monte Carlo happened, what happened in Barcelona happened, and what happened in Madrid happened, and here we are. We are in Rome,” he said at the time.