Coco Gauff discloses how she didn’t take her eyes off Iga Swiatek lifting the French Open trophy last year because even she wanted to experience a similar feeling

Coco Gauff had lost to Iga Swiatek in the 2022 French Open final.

Coco Gauff discloses how she didn’t take her eyes off Iga Swiatek lifting the French Open trophy last year because even she wanted to experience a similar feeling

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek with runner up and winner's trophies after 2022 French Open final (Image via Team USA)

American tennis prodigy Coco Gauff asserted her dominance on the tour as the 19-year-old lifted her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows after defeating World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. Despite losing the opening set, 2-6, Gauff did not lose faith in her. The youngster turned it around in the next two sets, winning the match 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, and Gauff has revealed where the inspiration to lift the trophy came from. 

While Coco Gauff did thank the Williams sisters for inspiring her to pick up a racket, the 19-year-old revealed that seeing Iga Swiatek lift the title at the 2022 French Open after defeating her made the American burn that fire inside. Gauff revealed that she could not stop herself from thinking about the feeling of winning a Grand Slam.

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“I watched Iga lift up that trophy. I watched her the whole time. I said ‘I’m not going to take my eyes off her because I want to feel what that felt like for her.’ That felt like craziness today,” said the 19-year-old at the post-match press conference. 

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It is worth mentioning that Coco Gauff missed out on a chance to lift her first major title after Swiatek beat her in the summit clash at Roland Garros last year. The American was beaten in straight sets of 1-6, 3-6. At the 2023 French Open, Gauff once again faced Swiatek, but in the quarterfinals. But the result was the same yet again. 

Also Read: WATCH: “No joy better than this” – Coco Gauff’s mom goes WILD in player’s box after her daughter defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win the US Open

Coco Gauff gets congratulatory message from Iga Swiatek

Coco Gauff kisses US Open trophy
Coco Gauff kisses US Open trophy (Image via US Open)

While Coco Gauff indirectly thanked Iga Swiatek for inspiring her to dream about winning a Grand Slam title, the Pole also shared a congratulatory message for the American after her title win at Flushing Meadows. Swiatek also congratulated Aryna Sabalenka for reaching the top of the WTA rankings (which will be confirmed in a few hours). 

“Congrats to you both! @CocoGauff on your 1st GS title, so special on your home soil, and to @SabalenkaA on becoming the new no 1. Amazing night and time for women’s tennis,” posted Swiatek on X.

Talking about Swiatek’s campaign at the 2023 US Open, the defending champion bowed out after losing to Latvian ace Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round. The Polish ace was pretty disappointed in failing to defend the title while also losing her No. 1 ranking. Nevertheless, Swiatek has promised to come back stronger than ever. 

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