Coco Gauff Attributes US Open Victory to Simone Biles' Support
Coco Gauff Advances in US Open 2025
American tennis sensation Coco Gauff expressed her gratitude towards fellow athlete and gymnastics champion Simone Biles for her support during Gauff's second-round match against Croatia's Dona Vekic at the US Open 2025 on August 29. Gauff successfully moved forward in her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title by winning the match.
In a straight-set victory, Gauff triumphed over Vekic with scores of 7-5, 6-2 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 21-year-old faced challenges early in the match, particularly with her serve, but managed to regain her composure and secure her spot in the next round.
The Impact of Simone Biles on Gauff's Performance
After her win, Gauff reflected on how Biles' presence provided her with a calming influence, especially during critical moments in the first set. She stated, "She helped me pull it out. I was just thinking like, if she can go on a six-inch beam and do that with all the pressures of the world, then I can hit the ball in this 75. I don't know how big this court is," during the on-court interview.
Gauff added, "It brought me a little bit of calm. Just knowing her story with all the things she went through mentally. So she's an inspiration, surely."
Simone Biles' Advocacy and Praise for Gauff
Simone Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness, sharing her own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks. Her decision to withdraw from the 2021 Tokyo Games to focus on her mental well-being sparked a global dialogue about the mental health challenges faced by athletes.
Biles also praised Gauff, expressing her admiration for the young athlete's journey. "Obviously Coco Gauff. I mean, she's incredible, amazing, and it's like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So it's just such a privilege to watch her on home soil and watch Black Girl Magic," Biles remarked to ESPN.
She continued, "As she gets older and matures, and now she's an adult, she gets to make these types of decisions that are best for her career. So I'm supportive 100% because I know what that's like. To see her take ownership of her career, of the court, and all of that is just amazing to watch."
Looking Ahead
Coco Gauff is set to continue her journey towards a second US Open title as she prepares to face Poland's Magdalena Frech on Saturday, August 30.