It’s a similar perspective for teen sensation Gauff, who has shrugged off incessant outside noise to play for herself, to make sure her tennis is about adapting, and also about joy.
“I think ever since I joined the tour, or even eight years old, the next Serena, next this, next that, and I think I really fell into the trap of believing that,” said Gauff with a grin, noting how “having fun” has been the key to her Parisian progress.
“It's important that you have high hopes for yourself, but at the same time, it's important to be in reality and I think that's where I am. I'm in reality where I'm enjoying the moment and enjoying the situation.
“I felt like I was to the point where even when I made the second week or beat Naomi (Osaka) at Australian Open, I remember I was happy but I wasn't that happy because I felt like that's what I should do. Whereas now I'm really appreciating each win and loss."
Don’t be fooled, these warm characters are also fierce competitors, realising the chance ahead of them.
“I fight for every point,” continued world No.23 Gauff.
“I feel like a lot of my losses in the past were due to mental errors of just getting used to being on tour and getting used to playing these intense matches. I feel like now mentally I'm in a great place.”