Boris Becker is convinced that Coco Gauff has the talent and drive to compete for Grand Slam titles against the likes of Sabalenka and Swiatek. Following her impressive performance in Cincinnati, Becker now sees her as a formidable opponent in any Major. He specifically highlighted her ability to stay grounded and manage the intense scrutiny that comes with being a teenage sensation.
Boris Becker feels Coco Gauff has the potential to be a tennis superstar capable of winning Grand Slams with the likes of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff had a breakthrough win in Cincinnati, and Becker believes she is now a tough contender who can win Majors. Becker says Gauff has done well in assuming the responsibilities of being a tennis prodigy and learning how to deal with unrealistic expectations.
Becker noted that it is incredibly tough for a 19-year-old to deal with the hype generated by experts. This kind of attention only ramps up the pressure and heightens expectations, often making the player feel an urgent, stressful need to secure a major title. He mentioned that while the Paris final was a step in the right direction, it wasn't quite the definitive breakthrough the world was waiting for.
The real shift occurred this summer during the US hard-court swing. By winning the Washington title and overcoming Iga Swiatek for the first time in the Cincinnati semi-finals—followed by a victory over Muchova in the final—Gauff has truly arrived. Becker likens this progression to Sinner's trajectory, stating that she is now a top favorite for the US Open, which adds a welcome dynamic to the game.
From a fan's perspective, Becker believes the sport benefits from having more players capable of challenging the dominance of Swiatek and Sabalenka. He suggests that when the top two realize they aren't the only ones with a realistic shot at the trophy, it shakes them up and removes the feeling of inevitability. He believes this shift in momentum began at Wimbledon when different faces reached the final.
While Becker still expects Swiatek and Sabalenka to be among the final four at the US Open, he is excited about Gauff's rise and the possibility of other dark horses emerging. He argues that losing is actually healthy for the top seeds, as it serves as a wake-up call to train harder and eliminates complacency. Ultimately, he concluded that women's tennis is in need of a new superstar, and in his eyes, Coco Gauff fits the bill perfectly.