While Coco Gauff’s run at Indian Wells may have come to an end, the 21-year-old tennis sensation and book enthusiast continues to make waves off the court, even catching the eye of French Open adversary Iga Swiatek. Gauff, a known bibliophile and the 2023 US Open champion, recently reignited her passion for reading, a hobby she credits to her boyfriend, Jalen Sera.
Swiatek, Gauff’s French Open competitor, who is yet to make it to any WTA final this season, acknowledged Gauff’s literary inclinations during her recent press conference at Indian Wells. Swiatek, last year’s champion, is currently in top form, advancing to the semifinals after a straight-set victory over Qinwen Zheng. This win was a chance for Swiatek to retaliate for her 2024 Paris Olympics loss, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to her victory.
Swiatek’s press conference, which took place on March 13, covered a range of topics, including her recent performance and her reading habits. When asked about other players on the WTA circuit known for their love for books, Swiatek hesitated before mentioning Gauff. While Swiatek admitted she doesn’t closely follow the activities of her fellow players, she did note that Gauff often posts about her reading endeavors on Instagram.
Swiatek herself shared her top book picks when posed with the hypothetical question of which books she would take if stranded on an island. Her choices included the all-time classic ‘Gone With the Wind’ by the renowned American author Margaret Mitchell, and the entire series of books by British author Ken Follett. Mitchell’s ‘Gone With the Wind’, a Pulitzer Prize winner, remains an enduring classic, inspiring a critically acclaimed film adaptation that swept the 12th Academy Awards, bagging eight wins out of thirteen nominations.
Gauff, who celebrated her 21st birthday on the eve of her interview with the Roland Garros team, reflected upon her journey in the French Open. Gauff holds the French Open in high esteem, as it was the venue of her maiden Grand Slam final and the tournament where she won the junior girl’s title in 2018.
Gauff’s path in the French Open has been marked by her ongoing rivalry with Swiatek. In 2022, an 18-year-old Gauff faced a formidable opponent in Swiatek, who defeated her in straight sets. Their encounters in the following years have followed a similar pattern, with Swiatek emerging victorious in both the 2023 and 2024 French Opens.
Despite these setbacks, Gauff remains optimistic and determined. She believes in her abilities on clay and understands that to win the French Open, she will likely have to defeat Swiatek. Gauff acknowledges Swiatek’s talent, especially on clay, but insists that she has “unfinished business” at the French Open. The question remains: will this be the year that Gauff turns the tide in her favor at the French Open? Only time will tell.