ESPN Interview Mix-Up: Coco Gauff Referred to as Simone Biles During US Open Post-Match Chat
A light but memorable moment unfolded at the US Open on Thursday, August 29, when ESPN reporter Katie George briefly mixed up Coco Gauff’s name with that of gymnastics star Simone Biles during a post-match interview. The slip occurred right after Gauff, the 21-year-old American, had defeated Croatia’s Donna Vekic to advance or continue her deep run in the tournament.
The exchange began with George saying, “Simone, this match had it all…” and continuing, “Excitement, entertainment, emotion, what was it like competing in this one?” The moment was captured on camera and happened to be within earshot of Biles, who had been sitting nearby after earlier being interviewed by George.
Social media users quickly picked up on the mistake, posting memes and jokes about the mix-up. Gauff, who appeared composed, did not react visibly to the slip and thanked Biles for her support, saying, “She helped me pull it out,” in reference to the gymnast’s encouragement. Biles and Gauff shared a warm embrace after the interview, underscoring the close friendship between the two athletes.
Gauff later spoke about the match, acknowledging nerves-related challenges but noting that she was able to reset and keep pushing through. “There’s been a lot on me this tournament, more than usual, which I expected coming in,” she said, emphasizing the emotional toll of high-stakes competition while crediting her resilience in the moment.
What this offers beyond the moment is a reminder of how intertwined the world of sports and media can be, with crossovers and close proximity on the sidelines sometimes leading to playful mix-ups that fans remember long after the final point. It also highlights the sportsmanship and camaraderie among top athletes, as seen in the easy rapport between Gauff and Biles.
Summary: A playful misnaming during a post-match interview at the US Open drew social media chatter, but Coco Gauff handled the moment with grace, praising Simone Biles’ support and sharing a moment of warmth with the gymnast after the match.
Additional notes for readers: Live sports interviews are fast-paced, and moments like these—while humorous—also spotlight the close-knit bonds across sports. If you’re following Gauff’s run, stay tuned for more updates as she navigates the tournament’s latter stages.