Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has maintained her composure despite the heightened expectations surrounding her title defense. At her 2024 US Open Media Day press conference, Gauff acknowledged that her life has remained largely unchanged since her Grand Slam triumph.
Gauff attributes her ability to handle the pressure to her gradual rise in the sport. Having competed at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center since her teenage years, she has become accustomed to the attention. This year, however, she arrives in Flushing Meadows without the momentum of a recent Masters 1000 victory.
Despite her early exit in Cincinnati, Gauff believes it has provided her with an opportunity to focus on training. She has endured a busy summer, including her role as flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics. Gauff emphasizes the importance of training blocks for her success and is confident in her preparation for the US Open.
While Gauff has faced criticism online, she remains unfazed. She recognizes that such negativity stems from envy or hatred and chooses to focus on positivity. She draws inspiration from a recent TikTok comment that encouraged her to embrace her victories and not stress over the need for a “victory lap.”
Gauff’s mantra for her first-round match against Varvara Gracheva is to root for success, regardless of her opponent. She believes that this mindset will help her navigate the challenges of defending her title.
