Tennis
Coco Gauff Interview: “I Have Nothing To Lose” American No. 1 Tells Nick Kyrgios After Advancing In US Open
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Reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff has said in her post-match interview that she is determined to etch her name in tennis history once again, after advancing to the third round.
The young American sensation, who overcame a shaky start against Tatjana Maria on Wednesday, has revealed that the pressure she felt last year has dissipated, allowing her to play with more freedom and confidence.
In a post-match interview with Nick Kyrgios, Gauff admitted that her mindset has shifted significantly since her 2023 triumph.
“Last year I felt more pressure,” she confessed. “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, who is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams to successfully defend the US Open title, is fuelled by her desire to make history.
Undeterred by her early struggles against Maria, the top-ranked American woman found her rhythm and cruised to a 6-4, 6-0 victory.
That's how you finish a match, @CocoGauff pic.twitter.com/5sDbyZuYxq
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2024
Coco Gauff Interview: Remains Focused For Next Challenge
Despite her impressive win, Gauff remains focused on improving her game, particularly her serve. After her match, she was spotted hitting the practice courts with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, working on her serve mechanics and accuracy.
“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,” she observed, in her interview with Kyrgios.
“I think I was between the 110s and 115s. My last match I was getting almost every serve 120.”
Gauff emphasised the importance of maintaining an aggressive mindset and serving with power.
“If I don’t have an aggressive mindset, everything kind of goes all over the place,” she explained. “I think in the future I just need to serve more aggressively because I think I was playing her.”
As Gauff advances to the third round of the US Open, she faces a tough test against Ukrainian world No.27 Elina Svitolina on Friday.