BNP PARIBAS OPEN

March 13, 2022

Coco Gauff

Press Conference

S. HALEP/C. Gauff

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Happy birthday.

COCO GAUFF: Thank you.

THE MODERATOR: What was your assessment of the match?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I thought she played well. I thought I had a lot of chances, a couple break points here and there. Overall I think it was a good match. She has a great level and I knew that coming into it. I think I was making the right decisions, just not executing them.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. The conditions were tricky with the wind. Seemed like it was gusting at times. What was your read on how the conditions were tonight?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, it was definitely super windy. I expected it. I mean, night matches here, it's always windy. But the wind was swirling a little bit. It was a little bit tricky, but for both of us I think.

Q. What do you think your approach will be now that you don't have to worry about age restriction and scheduling? Are we going to see a different schedule from you?

COCO GAUFF: For me, I'm cool with my schedule right now. Obviously not having the restrictions kind of helps with the scheduling. If I want to play more, I can. I feel like right now I'm playing a good amount of tournaments. I won't change anything unless I feel like I need to play more. I also don't want to play every week.

Q. What are you looking forward to in the coming few months?

COCO GAUFF: Definitely playing in Miami. That's technically my home tournament. Only 30, 45 minutes away. I would say that, having some of my family being able to see me. Probably the only tournament they can see me in person.

Clay season I'm looking forward to. I always have fun in Europe.

Q. Are you going to stay at home in Miami?

COCO GAUFF: No, I think I will probably be in a hotel just because I don't trust Miami traffic. I live like 45 minutes away without traffic. Yeah, definitely hotel.

Q. Do you have your license?

COCO GAUFF: No. I actually don't. That's my goal to get before I leave for Europe. I have my permit. I've been driving, but with an adult in the car.

Q. Do you have a car yet?

COCO GAUFF: My dad ordered one for me yesterday or two days ago. Not right now, but it's on its way.

Q. Birthday present?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I mean, it's kind of I feel like more of a present for himself. I don't like driving at all, to be honest. He is like, 16, you need to get a car. 16, he wanted to get me one. I don't want one. 17, he wanted to get me one. He is like, I'm tired of driving you everywhere, so here is your car. Yeah, more of a present for him.

Also, my brother is going to be 15 this year. He's going to get a permit. I'm gone. So whose car is he going to drive? Mine. I don't know if it's a present for me or not.

Q. You're playing Charleston?

COCO GAUFF: I'm not playing Charleston. You get a Volvo. I guess that's one of the reasons why I should play (laughter).