Cori Gauff says she is doing her best to present herself in the best possible manner but acknowledged she will probably never be a Roger Federer. Federer, one of the greatest players in tennis history, was considered the ultimate ambassador for tennis and the best possible role model to young kids.

Federer, a former 20-time Grand Slam champion, carried himself in a very classy and elegant manner as there was never drama or controversy attached to the Swiss’ name. Gauff, 19, is one of the best players in the women’s game and there are young girls looking up to the 2022 French Open finalist.

“I guess the responsibilities, I mean, on the court I try to present myself the best I can in that moment. Obviously, I’m not going to be perfect. I mean, Roger, he’s probably the closest to that when it comes to that. I’m not going to be like that, but I think I try to be authentically myself,” Gauff said.

Gauff spoke highly of Federer after beating Julia Grabher On Thursday, world No 6 Gauff saw off 61st-ranked Grabher 6-2 6-3 in the French Open second round. In the first set, Gauff lost her service once but also broke Grabher three times to still easily win the opener.

After losing the first set, Grabher was up by a break and had a 2-1 lead in the second set. Then, Gauff responded with back-to-back breaks to win four games in a row and take a 5-2 lead. Gauff served out for the match in the ninth game.

Gauff now owns a 2-0 head-to-head against Grabher. “She’s not an easy player. She likes to dictate with her forehand and hit those high, heavy balls. I think I did a good job of taking the time away from her, really rushing her.

I think I played well at the net, too, and making those adjustments. Got broken a couple of times, but I was able to break back mostly,” Gauff said.