Slam icon tells very honest expectation for Coco Gauff at Paris Olympics, US Open

Gauff is hoping to do big things this summer and now she is being backed by Mike Bryan.

Doubles icon Mike Bryan thinks Coco Gauff will have “something to prove” this summer but adds that he has zero doubts that the 20-year-old will go out there and perform well for her nation.

At this year’s Paris Olympics, reigning US Open champion and current world No. 2 Gauff will be the biggest tennis name representing her nation and she is set to enter the event among the favorites for the gold medal. And since Gauff is also set to team up with world No. 6 Jessica Pegula in the women’s doubles event, the 20-year-old American will also be a favorite for the gold medal there since she and her 30-year-old compatriot have been one of the best doubles teams when they play together.

But Gauff may not only play in the singles and women’s events doubles – but also in the mixed doubles event, according to Bryan – who won 17 Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles and five more in mixed doubles.

In the past, Gauff had a few really strong runs at Roland Garros – where the Olympic tennis event will be taking place. But both times, it was Iga Swiatek who ended runs – the American lost to the Pole in the 2022 French Open final and this year’s French Open semifinal, respectively.

“She’s going to be good on the clay, I think that’s maybe one of her favorite surfaces, so I think she’s got something to prove. I think she loves playing for her country and she’ll put in a really good performance. I think she’s playing mixed doubles, doubles, and singles, so she’s got a lot of options to do well,” Bryan told Tennis365.

Bryan says Gauff can absolutely defend her US Open title
After the Paris Olympics, the next big goal for Gauff will be defending her US Open title. And since Gauff has done pretty well in Slams since becoming a Major champion – she was a semifinalist at this year’s Australian Open and French Open before losing in the Wimbledon round-of-16 – Bryan is certain that the 20-year-old has what it takes to repeat as champion at Flushing Meadows.

“And I think she can defend the Open, why not?” Bryan added.

Meanwhile, Gauff and other American Olympians will be able to turn to former 22-time Slam champion Bryan whenever they need some advice or tips since he and his brother Bob will be going there in the leadership role.