Grand Slams, Olympic medals: Coco Gauff has big goals for her 20s after birthday win at BNP Paribas Open

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Coco Gauff blew out the candles on a wildly successful teens and only wants more trophies in her 20s.

“Tennis goals, definitely to win some more slams, and I want to medal at this Olympics or 2028,” she said after celebrating her 20th birthday with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Elise Mertens at the BNP Paribas Open. “That would be cool.”

In the midst of a WTA 1000 tournament, the reigning US Open champion has little time for a proper birthday party, though she admits that parties and presents aren’t typically her style.

“I haven't gotten anything for myself,” Gauff said in her post-match press conference. “I always forget, to be honest. I always say I'm going to get myself something. I still haven't gotten myself anything from US Open! I always say I'm going to buy myself and I just forget. I do have gifts in my hotel room that have to be opened today.”

Asked to outline her birthday wish list, the American smiled, making it clear what she wants most is up to her to achieve.

“I think the things that I want I can't buy. I mean, the things that I want I already have. You know, I'm healthy, happy, on tour, living the dream.”

That dream began back in 2019 when she made her WTA debut just after her 15th birthday, when she secured a maiden main-draw win at the Miami Open—the tournament Gauff says she’d like to win most outside the Grand Slams—and has grown into Grand Slam glory at the 2023 US Open, a Top 3 ranking and the cover of *Vogue* Magazine.

“I'm lucky that I was born with a great athletic ability, which kind of helps me,” said Gauff, who admits to feeling occasionally overwhelmed by some of the off-court opportunities that have accompanied her on-court accolades. “I also was born with a worth ethic and learned how to work hard and can enjoy working hard.

“But yeah, it is sometimes, like, Why me? Because again, on tour, and even when I was playing like 25Ks and you just see girls are really working hard, it's not like they're not working hard but they just can't get it. Not that I say I have it all figured out, because I don't, but I am very blessed to be in the position I am in.”

Gauff also counts on the support from her family, who’ve facilitated a smooth transition into adulthood for the former teenager.

“I think maybe when I got my car is when I felt like an adult. Also, when I get home, like, you know, my mom's telling me to clean my room,” she said with a laugh. “You know, she's washing my clothes. To be honest, I don't really do that many chores. I say I bring other areas of support in the household. That should be enough!”

The Baccarat trophy would be quite a contribution from Gauff, who aims to make her first semifinal at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden as she awaits the winner of No. 11 seed Daria Kasatkina—whose vlog Gauff guested on this week—and an in-form Yuan Yue.