Caty McNally on finding ways to have fun while rising up the ranks

"I think me and Coco have a good time and we like to separate that. We still are young, we’re still kids, we like to have fun, and not always think about tennis 24/7... We were making TikToks in the locker room in Australia."

This week, the TENNIS.com Podcast features American teenager Caty McNally. Co-host Nina Pantic sat down with the 18-year-old and her coach Kevin O’Neill while they were in Midland, Mich. for the ITF W100. Though the Ohio resident didn’t defend her title there this year, she did reach the quarterfinals. 

McNally has risen quietly behind her doubles partner Coco Gauff (the teens won two titles in 2019 and reached the Australian Open quarterfinals). McNally shares what it’s like being partners and friends with Gauff, and explains the inspirations behind their celebratory dances. She also goes into detail abut their obsession with Tik Tok, and how find ways to have fun on tour. 

Doubles has helped round out McNally’s game, and her coach O’Neill is more than supportive of her desire to play both. While ranked inside the Top 40 in doubles, McNally has made waves in singles too, taking a set of Serena Williams at the 2019 US Open and reaching the semifinals in Washington, while achieving a career-high ranking of No. 105. 

Stick around after the interview to hear an update from co-host Irina Falconi as she continues her comeback season. She gives a behind-the-scenes rundown of the unexpected finale in Midland, where Anhelina Kalinina withdrew from the title match against Shelby Rogers. 

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