Coco Gauff turns gamer, plays Fortnite between matches at Qatar Open

Coco Gauff isn’t playing only tennis at the 2023 Qatar Open. The American sensation is also polishing her gaming skills between matches at the tournament.

Gauff, who was a quarterfinalist in Qatar in 2022, scored a noteworthy victory over two-time tournament champion Petra Kvitova in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (6) on Wednesday. She thus booked a spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament yet again to set up a clash with Veronika Kudermetova.

The 18-year-old’s day, however, is far from over as she and her doubles partner Jessica Pegula gear up to contest the doubles quarterfinal against Erin Routliffe and Alicja Rosolska.

The duo will look to defend their women’s doubles title from 2022 at the ongoing tournament. In the meantime, Coco Gauff decided to polish her gaming skills by playing Fortnite.

“Post singles - waiting to play doubles – activities at Qatar Open,” Coco Gauff wrote on her Instagram story.

The young tennis phenom further shared an update of the game with her fans. Gauff was impressed with her result, having not played Fortnite over half-a-year. She also revealed that it was her first time playing the game on a PlayStation.

“Update: Not bad. Lol. My first game and first time playing in like 6 months and first time playing on a playstation in my life. 9 kill dub,” Coco Gauff remarked.

She further wittily stated that after her gaming success, she just needed the doubles quarterfinal win alongside Jessica Pegula.

“Now just need a dub in doubles with Jess later. Haha,” she laughed.

The American in her Instagram stories

"I'm the oldest of three siblings; Maybe that has something to play with it" – Coco Gauff on gaining maturity early in her career

The 18-year-old holds the 2022 French Open runner-up trophy

Coco Gauff is no stranger to living in the public eye. The teenager, who turned pro at the age of 14, became an overnight sensation after her victory over Venus Williams in the first round of the tournament in 2019.

At 18, Gauff has won two career titles in singles and has been the runner-up at the 2022 French Open in both singles as well as doubles. She has additionally been the World No. 1 in doubles. Through all the early success, the American has managed to be much more level-headed than any average teenager.

In a recent press conference at the Qatar Open, the doubles defending champion credited her parents and her life experiences for her mature aura. She also voiced that being the oldest of three siblings played a part in her gaining maturity early in life.

"I'm the oldest of three siblings. Maybe that has something to play with it,” the World No. 6 said, adding, “It comes from the way my parents are, but I think I have also learned a lot over the years. I feel like that's why maybe I have matured faster than most.”