Coco Gauff Reveals Special Advice She Gave to Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros

Coco Gauff has advanced to her second Roland Garros semifinal this year, after win over Madison Keys.

Coco Gauff Reveals Special Advice She Gave to Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff (Image via X/Tennis TV)

Carlos Alcaraz made a strong statement at Roland Garros by securing his semifinal spot with a dominant 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 win over Tommy Paul. His impressive performance on Tuesday, June 3rd, has inspired many, including fellow competitor Coco Gauff. Alcaraz’s rise and success at the tournament have clearly motivated Gauff as she advances deeper into the draw.

Earlier in the day, Coco Gauff fought back from losing the first set to defeat Madison Keys. The match lasted three sets, with Gauff winning 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-1. Keys, who won a Grand Slam earlier this year, put up a strong fight, but Gauff’s resilience and skill helped her secure the win on Philippe-Chatrier Court.

After her quarterfinal win, the American urged the young Spaniard to find more enjoyment in life rather than keeping a poker face all the time. Gauff said in her Roland Garros press conference:

I’ve told him that I’ve tried to have fun on the court like him and smile as much as he does… and that’s something that he inspires me to do that more. Just to enjoy life in general, I find you play better. I think he has a great philosophy and it is something that I am trying to model. I don’t think I’ll be out there smiling as much as Carlos does sometimes when he loses and wins a match…but every now and then to try to crack some in.

With this victory, Gauff reached the semifinals of Roland Garros. Her next opponent will be Lois Boisson, a surprise contender who has captured attention this year. Boisson, ranked 361st and only 22 years old, has been one of the tournament’s standout stories.

Gauff’s progress and determination have been fueled by the inspiration she draws from Alcaraz’s performance. Both players are now set to compete in the semifinals, showcasing that they want to add more titles in their cabinet.

Coco Gauff reveals the idols she looks up to outside of tennis

American tennis star Coco Gauff draws inspiration from athletes across various sports, not just tennis. She admires gymnasts like Simone Biles and track stars such as Sha’Carri Richardson. Gauff also respects basketball legends like the late Kobe Bryant and football icons like Lionel Messi for their careers and the impact they make beyond their sports. Gauff added in her Roland Garros press conference:

McLaughlin is someone that I really like and look up to in that way. Simon Biles I think she pushes herself and to me, that you know it’s just crazy. Because in tennis we had Rafa and Roger and Novak all pushing each other…Then, you have obvious like Lebron and Michael, with those and Kobe Mamba mentality. Those are the people I look up to outside of tennis.

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Gauff values the idea of being a role model and influencing society positively. She believes it’s important to inspire others, no matter what profession someone is in. This mindset guides her approach both on and off the court.

Among her role models are also LeBron James and Serena Williams. She appreciates their strong work ethic and motivation. Gauff has mentioned wanting to smile as much as Messi, admiring the joy and passion he shows while playing.

Athletics run in her family as well. Her father played college basketball, and her mother was involved in gymnastics and track and field. Growing up around different sports likely fueled her admiration for athletes outside tennis and her goal to be a positive influence.

Coco Gauff advances to Roland Garros semifinals

No. 2 seed Coco Gauff bounced back after dropping the first set to beat No. 7 Madison Keys 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-1 in a match lasting 2 hours and 11 minutes. Gauff pulled away strongly in the final set to reach the Roland Garros semifinals for the second year in a row.

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (via X)

The defeat ended Keys’ 11-match winning streak at Grand Slam events. It also leveled their head-to-head record at 3-3. Gauff had not beaten Keys since their Dubai meeting in 2023 but has now won both of their major tournament clashes, including their 2022 US Open match.

This marks Gauff’s fifth Grand Slam semifinal appearance and her third at Roland Garros. At just 21 years old, she has won 25 matches at the French Open, making her the youngest player to reach that milestone since Martina Hingis did so at 19 in 2000. She will face French wildcard Lois Boisson in the semifinal.

Boisson has captivated the home crowd with her impressive performance, becoming the first Frenchwoman to reach the Roland Garros semifinals since Marion Bartoli in 2011. Gauff is prepared for the challenge posed by the French rising star and the passionate Parisian support behind her.

Also Read: Andre Agassi Pinpoints Major Differences in Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s Game Style