'She's An Inspiration': Coco Gauff Lauds Simone Biles' Support Through Tearful US Open Win

Last Updated:August 29, 2025, 10:14 IST

Coco Gauff overcame emotional struggles to defeat Donna Vekic at the US Open, crediting Simone Biles' courtside presence for inspiration. Gauff next faces Magdalena Fręch.

An emotional Coco Gauff addressed Simone Biles, who was in attendance at the US Open (AP)

Coco Gauff said the presence of Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles courtside helped her survive what she described as the lowest moment of her tennis career during a dramatic US Open victory over Donna Vekic on Thursday.

The world No. 3 endured an error-strewn and emotionally turbulent opening set at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she repeatedly broke down in tears between games.

At one point, the 21-year-old American buried her face in her towel as frustration and nerves boiled over in front of a global television audience.

Despite her struggles, Gauff managed to edge the opening set in a tiebreak before steadying herself to seal a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 victory, booking her place in the third round.

Biles’ Presence as a Source of Strength

Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Biles—widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time—was in attendance, and Gauff later revealed how the gymnast’s story of resilience helped her regain composure.

“I mean, she’s the greatest, one of the greatest athletes," Gauff said afterward.

“It’s her and Serena [Williams] for me on my Mount Rushmore of athletes. I think everything that she went through on the mental side of things in the sport, it’s something I follow closely and try to learn from. To see her there tonight kind of gave me a reminder that I needed."

Biles famously withdrew from several events at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics to focus on her mental health, before returning to win medals and completing her comeback with triumphs at the Paris Games last year.

Gauff said she drew direct parallels between Biles’ courage and her own struggles on court.

“I saw her being interviewed and I was just thinking, if she can go on a six-inch wide beam and perform with all the things she’s gone through, I can come out here on court and hit a ball. Her presence helped me today," Gauff explained.

“I was lucky to just come from talking to her, so I was able to tell her that in person."

Coaching Shake-Up and Nerves

Gauff’s build-up to the US Open had been disrupted by a major coaching change. Only days before the tournament, she brought in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan to address her faltering serve, which had plagued her in recent months.

The effects were still evident. In her opening-round match, Gauff sprayed 59 unforced errors and committed 10 double faults. Against Vekic, those nerves resurfaced: she was broken four times in the first set and appeared distraught before rallying to close out the contest.

Gauff will now face Poland’s Magdalena Fręch, the 28th seed, in Saturday’s third round as she continues her bid for a second Grand Slam title.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 29, 2025, 10:14 IST

News sports 'She's An Inspiration': Coco Gauff Lauds Simone Biles' Support Through Tearful US Open Win

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