Coco Gauff is looking to successfully defend her US Open title and the American has opened up on the pressure she feels at the tournament.
Coco Gauff has confidently told Nick Kyrgios she has “nothing to lose” in her quest to retain her US Open crown.
The young American sensation overcame a shaky start to dispatch Tatjana Maria on Wednesday night. Gauff’s serve was off-kilter initially, but she managed to secure a pivotal break at 3-3 in the first set against Maria, which seemed to calm her nerves.
Despite a rocky opening set featuring seven double faults and 20 unforced errors, the top-ranked American woman found her rhythm to triumph over the German in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0, keeping her title defense hopes burning bright.
Post-match, during an on-court interview with Kyrgios, Gauff reflected on the differences between last year’s win and this year’s title defenCe, admitting: “Last year I felt more pressure.”
Stepping on the court now I have really nothing to lose. I’m 20 years old. I have one under my belt. I have the potential to do more whether it happens this year or in the future.”
Gauff is eyeing history as she aims to be the first woman since Serena Williams to successfully defend the US Open title.
Williams achieved the feat with three consecutive wins from 2012 to 2014. Not resting on her laurels, Gauff hit the practice courts immediately after her victory, honing her serve while Lorenzo Musetti and Miomir Kecmanovic battled it out in their men’s match.
Gauff said: “I felt like my toss was too far in front, and I think also when you are playing – I think I didn’t serve as fast as I normally did in some serves. I think I was between the 110s and 115s. My last match I was getting almost every serve 120.”
“I think really the mentality. If I don’t have an aggressive mindset, everything kind of goes all over the place. I think in the future I just need to serve more aggressively because I think I was playing her.
“I have the thing of just get it in because I knew she wasn’t going to hurt me off the return. Sometimes I think I even serve better against better returners because you know you have to bring your A game.
“I think today I think my toss was too far in front and too low, so I was missing a lot of first and second serves.”
Gauff is now gearing up for a third-round clash with Ukrainian world No.27 Elina Svitolina this Friday.
Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, is determined to defend her title, even as she acknowledges the pressure that comes with it. The 20-year-old American tennis star recently spoke about the challenges she faces while competing at this prestigious tournament and her mindset as she strives to maintain her position at the top.
Gauff’s confidence was on full display when she told fellow tennis player Nick Kyrgios that she has “nothing to lose” as she embarks on her journey to retain the US Open crown. This statement came after her victory over Germany’s Tatjana Maria on Wednesday night, a match that started shakily but ended in triumph. Despite a rocky start that included seven double faults and 20 unforced errors, Gauff managed to secure a crucial break at 3-3 in the first set. This pivotal moment allowed her to regain her composure, and she went on to win the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0.
Reflecting on her performance in an on-court interview with Kyrgios, Gauff revealed the contrast in her approach between last year’s title-winning run and her current title defense. She admitted, “Last year I felt more pressure.” Now, with one US Open title already under her belt, she feels a sense of freedom on the court. “I’m 20 years old. I have one under my belt. I have the potential to do more whether it happens this year or in the future,” she added, emphasizing her long-term perspective.
Gauff’s goal is not just to win another title but to make history. She is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams to successfully defend the US Open title. Williams, a tennis legend, managed this remarkable feat with three consecutive US Open victories from 2012 to 2014. Gauff’s ambition to follow in Williams’ footsteps underscores her desire to be more than just a one-time champion.
After her victory over Maria, Gauff immediately returned to the practice courts, refusing to rest on her laurels. While Italian player Lorenzo Musetti and Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic battled it out in their men’s match, Gauff focused on perfecting her serve, an area she felt needed improvement. “I felt like my toss was too far in front,” she explained. “I think also when you are playing – I think I didn’t serve as fast as I normally did in some serves. I think I was between the 110s and 115s. My last match I was getting almost every serve 120.”
Gauff’s meticulous attention to detail highlights her commitment to her craft. She understands that success at this level requires more than just talent; it demands constant refinement and adaptation. “I think really the mentality,” she said, emphasizing the importance of an aggressive mindset. “If I don’t have an aggressive mindset, everything kind of goes all over the place.” This mindset is something she intends to carry into her future matches, recognizing that playing it safe can sometimes lead to inconsistent performances.
Gauff also noted that her serving issues stemmed from technical aspects, such as the position of her toss. “I think my toss was too far in front and too low, so I was missing a lot of first and second serves,” she observed. Her ability to analyze her performance critically and make adjustments on the fly is a testament to her growing maturity as a player.
Looking ahead, Gauff is preparing for her third-round match against Ukrainian world No. 27 Elina Svitolina. This match, scheduled for Friday, promises to be a significant test of Gauff’s skills and mental fortitude. Svitolina, a seasoned competitor, will undoubtedly provide a formidable challenge, but Gauff’s confidence and determination suggest she is ready to rise to the occasion.
Coco Gauff’s journey at this year’s US Open is not just about defending a title; it’s about proving to herself and the world that she has what it takes to be a consistent champion. With her eyes set on making history, Gauff is embracing the pressure and using it as fuel to drive her forward. Whether she ultimately succeeds in retaining her title or not, one thing is clear: Coco Gauff is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis, and her story is far from over.