Teenage prodigies don’t often live up to the hype. Even for those who were sufficiently talented in the first place, there are so many obstacles on the pathway to success, so many ways that a sporting career can be derailed.
Since her breakthrough as a 15 year-old four years ago, though, Coco Gauff’s supreme mental fortitude and emotional maturity have kept her on track and carried her all the way to the top. In the biggest match of her life against the best player in the world, Gauff drew upon those qualities once more as she brilliantly recovered from a one-set deficit to topple Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.
