Coco Gauff draws motivation from Simone Biles as she edges Donna Vekic at the US Open
Coco Gauff survived a tense opening set and stretched her momentum into a straight-sets victory over Donna Vekic, beating the Croatian 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 in the second round of the US Open. The win didn’t come easy: Gauff endured a shaky start that included seven double faults and a string of service woes, leaving her in tears when she trailed 5-4 in the opener. She steadied herself just in time, sprinting through a tight tiebreak to take the set and then cruising in the second.
The turning moment came off the court and in the stands. Gauff spotted seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles in the arena during ESPN’s interview with the gymnast, and she later credited that sighting with calming the nerves. “I saw her and honestly I don’t know if she’s up there,” Gauff said. “But she helped me pull it out. I was just thinking if she can go on a 6-inch beam and do that with all the pressures in the world, then I can hit the ball. It brought me a little bit of calm.” The mental jolt paid off, as Gauff recovered from the setback in the first set and dominated the rest of the match.
After the victory, Gauff and Biles met courtside. The American star even FaceTimed her mom so Biles could say hello, a moment Gauff described as special. Biles returned the warmth, telling reporters that Gauff was a major reason she returned to watch this year’s tournament after visiting in 2024. The social moment resonated with fans, highlighting a cross-sport nod of support that underscored the resilience and focus the young American is known for.
On the court, the No. 3 seed will now prepare for a third-round meeting with Magdalena Frech, the No. 28 seed. Gauff’s win adds to a narrative of mental strength and poise beyond her years, a trait many observers say helps her navigate the high-stakes atmosphere of the Open.
Why it matters: The crossover moment with Biles reflects a broader trend of U.S. sports figures rallying around one another, offering a tangible boost when pressures mount. Gauff’s ability to channel that energy, combined with her consistent play, reinforces her status as a contender who can rise to big moments with composure.
Positive take: The scene underscored a hopeful message for young athletes everywhere—that drawing inspiration from high-achieving peers can fuel performance while fostering a sense of community across different sports. Gauff’s next opponent, Frech, will test this newfound momentum and serve as another chapter in her ongoing pursuit of a deep run at Flushing Meadows.