French Open 2025: Coco Gauff hails 'GOAT on clay' Rafael Nadal for his 'insane' legacy after thrashing Olivia Gadecki in first round
ByOli Gent
Published 27/05/2025 at 16:56 GMT+1
Coco Gauff thrashed Australia's Olivia Gadecki to move into the second round of the French Open. The American world No. 2 cruised through 6-2 6-2 on Court Philippe-Chatrier to set up a meeting with qualifier Tery Valentonva next. Afterwards, the second seed was asked about Rafael Nadal, and she joined the round of tributes by calling the 14-time champion the "GOAT on clay".
Highlights: Gauff brushes aside Gadecki to progress at Roland-Garros
Video credit: TNT Sports
Coco Gauff labelled Rafael Nadal as "the GOAT on clay" as the tributes to the 14-time French Open champion continued.
The American made light work of Olivia Gadecki on Court Philippe-Chatrier in her opening round match.
Gauff, the second seed in Paris, came through 6-2 6-2 against the Australian, and will play qualifier Tereza Valentova in her next encounter, after the Czech beat wildcard Chloe Paquet in three sets.
Gauff, a one-time finalist on the dirt back in 2022, is bidding for a second major title having won the US Open in 2023.
She is looking to take as much inspiration as she can from Nadal, revealing that she used to watch his practice sessions, eager to learn from the best in the business.
- Wind wreaks havoc during Djokovic v McDonald - 'This does not happen very often'
- 'Brits on fire' - 'What an opportunity' for Norrie after stunning Medvedev victory, says Henman
"He had so much resilience," Gauff said.
"The intensity [he had]. He was my favourite person to watch practise. I would literally just sit and watch him practice-rally, because it was so intense.
"I tried to do the same [with my practice rallies], but obviously, he’s the GOAT on clay.
"The legacy that he’s left - not just at Roland-Garros - but across the sport is insane. I was glad that I was able to play on the tour at the same time as him."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/27/image-59871b2c-6f95-4d65-803b-161a10d0c0d7-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Gauff pays tribute to 'GOAT on clay' Nadal after emotional ceremony at French Open
Video credit: TNT Sports
The world No. 2, has reached two straight finals on clay, in Madrid and Rome.
She was beaten in both, however, by Sabalenka in the Spanish capital, and home favourite Jasmine Paolini in Italy.
The 21-year-old has tasted success at Roland-Garros previously, winning the doubles title last year against Sara Errani and Paolini alongside Katerina Siniakova.
Stream the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement