Coco Gauff unveils new NFT and secrets to career recovery

The last week may seem like a whirlwind to fans of Cori “Coco” Gauff, the 18-year-old American tennis star who is currently No. 13 in the world, according to Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.

Just last week, Gauff fought for his first Grand Slam title, at the 2022 French Open. in straight sets.

But the excitement continues for right-handers from Delray Beach, Florida, as Autograph announces the launch of a new series of Coco Gauff NFTs sold on June 7.

Co-founded by Tom Brady and headquartered in Los Angeles, the Autograph platform Autograph was founded to bring the most legendary names in sports, entertainment and culture to digital form. Some of Autograph’s other recent releases include such big names as Derek Jeter, Simone Biles, Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt.

Gauff’s line is part of Autograph’s latest “drops”—Consisting of younger athletes such as WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, PGA Tour golfer Collin Morikawa, NFL quarterback Justin Herbert and NBA star Devin Booker.

While dropping an NFT may seem like just the “next thing” for any top athlete, Gauff wanted to make sure her autograph NFT showed off her personality and appreciation to all the people – coaches, family, even fans – who have been with her on her journey.

“I love getting in touch with my fans, especially my younger fan base,” Gauff told me this week. “I wanted my collection to be as colorful, fun and truthful for my passions as possible.”

So for fans of the rising tennis star, there is something a little extra. Autograph said this week that holders of some Gauffs NFTs from “The future is …The collection purchased by 14 June will have access to a question and answer on social media with Gauff himself. Fans will also have the opportunity to dish up Gauff’s style on the court and vote for her outfit for an upcoming tournament this summer.

Yesterday I contacted Gauff for a short question and answer, where the two-time winner of the singles title discussed her tremendous increase in tennis, her training and why her fans and supporters are so important to her.

Andy Frye: You’ve had an impressive WTA career so far, and you’re only 18. How have you grown as a player or changed your game (if at all) over the last two years?

Coco Gauff: I have learned not to look so much at the results and tune out the pressure outside. It has taken a lot of work, and I am still growing and learning how to do it, but focusing on the process, trying to relax as much as possible and just having fun has always yielded some of the best in my tennis.

AF: Playing at your level is not for the faint of heart. Any secrets or insights on how to focus and overcome tough times on the court?

Gauff: My family. They are my rock. Without them, none of this would have been possible, so they really keep me on the ground. When I’m home, I love going to my little brothers’ sporting events and supporting them. I also love tennis, and when you love something, it’s easy to stay focused and keep working towards your dreams, even when times get tough.

VIDEO: Coco gets “hot and cloudy” inside the tennis ball

AF: It seems that all the top athletes are doing NFTs now. But yours seems to be more playful and have a different taste.

How is your personality displayed within your NFT line?

Gauff: The team at Autograph really let our group of next generation of athletes express themselves in the collection and worked with us to ensure that our personalities shone through in our collections. So you will see some inspiration taken from anime and superheroes who went in to create the artwork for my NFTs.

AF: You are a role model for many young people, but you are also still young. What is it like to get in touch with fans in your teens?

Gauff: I always ask them to dream big because it’s something I live by. I never thought I would be in my position, and it can really happen to anyone if you are willing to work hard and set goals. It means so much to me when someone tells me that they picked up a tennis racket because of me or that they tried something new because of me.

Read Andy Frye’s recent interviews with Mookie Betts and Lindsey Vonn

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