Coco Gauff Draws Inspiration from Simone Biles in US Open Triumph
Coco Gauff credits Simone Biles for inspiring her victory at the US Open, highlighting the impact of Biles' presence in the stands.

During Coco Gauff's intense third-round match at the US Open against Donna Vekic, the young tennis star found an unexpected source of inspiration. Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles was in the stands, and Gauff later credited her for helping secure the victory.
Gauff had a challenging start, recording seven double-faults and losing four of her six service games in the first set. Despite the struggles, she managed to turn the match around, winning the set 7-6 (7-5) and ultimately the match 6-2. After the game, Gauff expressed how Biles' presence gave her the calm and motivation needed to push through.
"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 six-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."
After the match, Gauff and Biles met, where Gauff thanked the gymnast for attending. The two shared a heartfelt moment, with Gauff even FaceTiming her mom so Biles could say hello. Biles, in turn, praised Gauff for her grace and humility both on and off the court.
Biles, who attended the US Open for the first time last year, admitted that Gauff was the reason she returned this year. "Obviously, she's the reason why I'm back," Biles said during an interview.
Gauff, the No. 3 seed, is set to face No. 28-seed Magdalena Frech in the fourth round. This match not only showcased Gauff's resilience but also highlighted the powerful impact of role models in sports.
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