She is still a teenager. But Coco Gauff already carries the hopes of the great tennis nation USA on her delicate shoulders. Now she is in the US Open final for the first time – and could crown her summer there.
The summer of 2023 is not an exceptional one in the USA. In women’s tennis, however, it is considered the “Summer of Coco”. This refers to Cori Dionne Gauff, known to everyone as “Coco”. The 19-year-old from Florida is the outstanding player this season – and is in the final of the US Open for the first time after a 6:4, 7:5 semi-final win against the Czech Karolina Muchova.
She watched the US Open on TV very often. That’s why it matters to her now “so much”“To be in the final here,” said Gauff in the winner’s interview on the pitch. Yes, she would like to celebrate, but the job is not done yet, emphasized Gauff.
Gauff in New York – cheers, hearts, love
When Muchova’s backhand landed a few centimeters behind the baseline on match point, Gauff opened her mouth wide. More than 23,000 fans cheered with her Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Gauff held her right index finger to her right ear to signal to the audience: “I can’t hear you.” She then formed a heart with both thumbs and forefingers.
It’s love what’s happening between her and the fans these days at the last Grand Slam tournament of the year. Since Serena Williams ended her extraordinary career a year ago, they have been looking for a new tennis darling in America. It seems like they found him in Coco Gauff.
America’s youngest US Open finalist since Serena Williams
“At some points it was so loud that I was scared for my ears”Gauff praised the fans after their semi-final success. You in the endgame, that is “crazy”said number six on the seeding list. At such a young age as Gauff, no American had played in a US Open final since Serena Williams in 2001.
And who would have believed that two months ago? Oh what. Who would have seriously believed that Coco Gauff would even win a match at this US Open? After all, she had just been eliminated in the first round at Wimbledon against qualifier Sofia Kenin.
Breakthrough 2019 at Wimbledon
Four years ago, Gauff was still the big sensation at Wimbledon, and in 2019, at the age of 15 years and three months, she was the youngest player in tournament history to reach the main draw. There she defeated five-time Wimbledon winner Venus Williams in two sets in the first round – and even made it to the round of 16.
America watched with excitement and excitement at the same time. Their four Wimbledon games brought “ESPN” the best ratings on the respective days of the first week of the tournament. And now, at the beginning of July 2023, she was sitting alone in the locker room at Wimbledon, crying and not knowing what to do.
Adviser Brad Gilbert as a stroke of luck
Gauff flew to Washington for the tournament. In the US capital, Brad Gilbert was part of their team for the first time. Gilbert, who once led Andre Agassi to six Grand Slam titles, was there as an advisor to support Spanish coach Pere Riba. It was the beginning of the “Summer of Coco”.
Brad Gilbert, advisor to Coco Gauff
Gauff won Washington and celebrated her greatest success of her career to date. The woman, who previously just couldn’t win against top players, suddenly defeated three pros from the top 20 in a row in Belinda Bencic, Liudmila Samsonova and Maria Sakkara.
Win against Swiatek important mentally
The Toronto quarterfinal loss to her doubles partner Jessica Pegula is the only loss of the summer on North American courts so far. Because in Cincinnati her form curve rose sharply at the dress rehearsal for the US Open. In the semifinals, Gauff even defeated industry leader Iga Swiatek.
After her final triumph in Cincinnati against Karolina Muchova, USA Today wrote that Gauff “could be the favorite for the US Open.” Six wins later, Gauff will play against Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday for her third tournament win in 40 days. “The most important thing I learned this summer is that I don’t have to play my very best tennis to win”says Gauff.
Coco Gauff in the semifinals of the US Open.
Of the Brawler to the problem solver
This finding is a testament to the work of Brad Gilbert. Agassi once referred to him as “best coach of all time.” Gauff points out that Gilbert showed her how to have fun regardless of the outcome of a match. And he made it clear to her, even in difficult moments, “Embrace the misery of tennis with open arms.”
Chris Evert, former world-class player and current “ESPN” commentator, certified Gauff after the semi-final win against Muchova “problem solver” to have become. Not long ago, says Evert, Gauff only had one style of play: “Hit, hit, hit.” That means she just hit it.
Second Grand Slam final for Gauff, first title?
The US Open final will be the second Grand Slam final for Gauff. Last year she had played for the tournament victory at the French Open, but was overwhelmed against Iga Swiatek at 1:6, 3:6.
Their self-confidence is now huge, says Gauff – but with a record of 17:1 wins, that’s no wonder. Brad Gilbert will be back in their box. There is a lot to be said for Coco Gauff in this final, who could crown her sensational summer with a victory.