Coco Gauff is, and was always going to be, one of the outstanding talking points of the US Open this year.
After all, she is the top-ranked American, and likely the country’s biggest hope of a hometown hero fighting for the title.
However, she truly propelled herself into widespread conversations after making a bold pre-tournament move, with Gauff sacking her coaching team to bring in Gavin MacMillan.
The biomechanics specialist, famed for his previous work with Aryna Sabalenka, instantly got to work on trying to solve the outstanding problem in the 21-year-old’s game: her failing serve.
Trying to make such wholesale changes mid-way through the biggest event of her year has taken its toll though, as exhibited in yesterday’s emotional win.
Lindsay Davenport calls for fans to give Coco Gauff a break
Lindsay Davenport, now speaking about that moment, has called for fans to relax when heaping pressure on Coco Gauff, as it’s clear the impact it’s having on the youngster.
She told Tennis Channel: “Watching her practice the day before, you could see it out on the practice court.
“It’s interesting. It’s 6-5 up, Donna Vekic breaks to serve for the first set. She calls an injury time-out. There’s about a seven-minute break. After a few minutes, Gauff went out to serve. Hits every single one of the 15 serves she tried to hit on both the deuce and sides.
“And so it really gives you a sense that in tennis, what you don’t want to do is overthink, and she’s now trying to learn new grips and new technique, and it’s just all too much for her.
“It seems like everyone’s got to take a step back and just say, ‘You know what, just go play. Let’s go try and figure out this last major of the year, then we can catch our breath.’ But that was heartbreaking to see.”
Gauff has explained why she found her US Open win so emotional yesterday, admitting that nerves and pressure are playing a huge factor.
Jim Courier says what he’s certain will happen to Coco Gauff in the future
Jim Courier was alongside Davenport, keen to offer his verdict on this tough situation for Gauff as well.
He added: “For me, this is the big picture, a remarkable story of resilience in an athlete. She is so vulnerable in full view in the biggest tennis tournament in America, and she is the centrepiece of this tournament.
“So, what she’s doing, and this will happen at some point, there will be a movie on her life. Look, whether it’s a documentary or whether it is a feature film like King Richard, this will be a big part of that, because I’m sure this is going to be a pivot point for her with her serve, and that’s going to be something that she will ultimately put behind her.
“But the emotions of these moments, it is really theatrical and she is inspirational for all of us. Incredible.”
They are right to praise the spirit of Gauff, who continues to grind out victories at the US Open despite being so far from her best.
