‘New York fans is definitely an experience I will never forget,’ says Coco Gauff at the 2021 US Open

‘New York fans is definitely an experience I will never forget,’ says Coco Gauff at the 2021 US Open

Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff is one of the most promising players on the WTA tour currently. Ever since she beat Venus Williams at Wimbledon a few years ago, the American youngster has been billed by many experts as the future World No.1 and Grand Slam champion.

However, Gauff didn’t find going easy in her opening round clash against Magda Linette in the first round. While she did win the match, it had to come in three tough sets.

Speaking at the press conference after the completion of her first round, Gauff explained on how she was nervous before the match and even thanked the New York crowd for the support.

FS Video

“I was really, really nervous heading into today’s game just because it’s a first round in your Grand Slam at home.  Honestly, I’m glad I was able to get through it. New York fans is definitely an experience I will never forget. Obviously Stephens is a very athletic and superfast player. I know I’m going to have to expect a lot of balls to come back. She’s definitely going to redirect the ball. I think we’re both ready. I think it will be an exciting game.”

Gauff to play Stephens in Round 2

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff

The 17-year-old will now take on fellow American and former US Open winner Sloane Stephens. Speaking of the clash and challenge ahead, Gauff looked back on their sweet memories from yesteryears.

“I do remember when I was 10 years old, I had a birthday party at a water park, and she came to it, which is really cool. All my friends were excited that Sloane Stephens is at your birthday, professional tennis player. It was really cool. I’ve also been to a couple of her birthday parties, family get-togethers, I would say, when she was turning 20-something. Somewhere in the 20s…I think I was like 11 or 12.”

“I’ve known her for a long time. I have a good relationship with her. Now we’re going to be playing on the biggest stage, one of the biggest stages, on Wednesday.”

Gauff has won 16 matches on the hard court this season and has reached the third round of the US Open previously in 2019. Interestingly, both she and Stephens have never met on the tour before.

Also read: ‘Andy Murray is such a legend to be playing literally with a metal hip,’ says Andy Roddick