Coco Gauff, US tennis team ready for Billie Jean Cup Finals in Scotland

Coco Gauff – the last event of a grueling 2022 season for the 18-year-old American tennis star.

Gauff hopes to go out with a stars-and-stripes bang in Scotland before returning to South Florida for rest, relaxation and little more sun than found in Great Britain this time of year.

After having a rough time at last week’s WTA season-ending championships in Fort Worth, Texas, Gauff boarded a plane for Glasgow for a nine-hour flight to be one of five women to represent the United States in the Billie Jean Cup Finals (formerly known as The Fed Cup, women’s version of the Davis Cup).

It was a long haul, but Gauff is pumped even after losing all three matches at the round-robin WTA event that invites the top 8 players.

“It’s definitely a trip, but finishing the year off on this note will be great for me,’’ Gauff told The Palm Beach Post in a phone interview from Glasgow. “

TUESDAY:Australia beats Slovakia to open Billie Jean King Cup

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“Texas didn’t go the way I wanted it to go. That motivated me even more to come here, Gauff continued. “It’s very rare tennis experiences a team atmosphere. I played other team sports like basketball. That’s the one thing I did miss from playing (basketball). The Billie Jean Cup is what brings you closest to that.’’

slog for Jessica Pegula, a Boca Raton, Florida, resident and top-ranked American who also went 0-3, then withdrew her name from the Billie Jean Cup. No kilts for Pegula.

Gauff, two other Floridians on US team

Gauff is joined by Madison Keys, who lives in Orlando, Danielle Collins (St. Petersburg resident), Taylor Townsend and Caty McNally, Gauff’s former doubles partner.

“I wouldn’t have come here if I couldn’t give 100 percent to the team,’’ Gauff said. “That was part of Jess’ decision. Pretty brave to step away when you know you’re not at your best. Texas was a lot, but it’s in the past.’’

USA captain Kathy Rinaldi praised Gauff’s willingness to volunteer her services after Texas.

“Very thankful Coco is coming,’’ Rinaldi said. “Great effort on her part. It’s a long year for all these players. It’s quick turnaround. When you play for your country, the adrenaline kicks in. It’s a fun week. I hope to make it a fun week for Coco.’’

Gauff said she may try on one of the traditional kilts.

“I haven’t gotten into a kilt yet but I know Taylor’s coach was getting fitted for one,’’ Gauff said.  

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