Coco Gauff had a bit of a tough time in her first match at this year’s US Open. She was playing in front of famous people in New York. The young American lost the first part of the game to German player Laura Siegemund. But then, after almost three hours, she changed her game and won the match with a score of 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.
The 19-year-old is among the top contenders to win the women’s championship at Flushing Meadows this year. Her first match was very popular, and many people wanted to watch it.
Barack and Michelle Obama, along with tennis legend Billie Jean King, fashion designer Anna Wintour, and US skiing star Lindsey Vonn, were among those who watched Gauff’s successful advancement to the next round.
“I actually just saw the Obamas before I came here,” Gauff said to reporters after her victory, as reported by the WTA.
“I’ve met Mrs. Obama before. They told me she was there at first. Then Mr. Obama was also in the room.
“I haven’t really thought about it much because I just walked in here. I believe I’ll always remember that moment throughout my life.”
At the start, Gauff seemed to struggle with the pressure of the first night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. She lost the first set to the 121st-ranked player, which was fair.
In the beginning, Gauff couldn’t keep up with the strong play of her 35-year-old opponent. But things changed quickly in the second set.
Gauff began to take control of the match and fought through to set up a match against 16-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva in the next round.
“It was a hard match, and I wasn’t playing my best tennis. Laura isn’t an easy opponent. She kept fighting until the end, and that’s what she did today,” Gauff told reporters. The match was intense, and both players argued with the umpire about how much time they were taking between points.
“I faced and dealt with a lot of challenges, so I’m pleased with how I was able to come through.”
Gauff is aiming to win her first big tennis championship, having gained attention when she was just 15 years old.
Her top achievement in a major tournament has been making it to the final of the French Open in 2022. But she’s been doing really well recently leading up to the US Open.