Coco Gauff Triumphs in Tense Match at the U.S. Open: Celebrity Reactions
The U.S. Open kicked off with a thrilling first-round match featuring Coco Gauff, who narrowly defeated Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in a gripping contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This match not only captivated fans around the world but also drew celebrity attention, including that of comedian John Mulaney and actress Olivia Munn.
A Nail-Biting Encounter
In a tightly contested three-set match, Coco Gauff, the No. 3 ranked player, emerged victorious with scores of 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5, in an intense battle that lasted nearly three hours.
John Mulaney and Olivia Munn: Engaged Viewers
- Expressive Reactions: Mulaney and Munn were spotted visibly anxious throughout the match. Footage circulating on social media shows Mulaney leaning forward, clenching his fists, embodying the tension of every point.
- Fan Comments: One user humorously noted, "His blood pressure was up," while another commented, "He’s living every point."
Gauff’s Journey and Challenges
Coco Gauff, 21, recently made some strategic changes as she prepared for the U.S. Open, including parting ways with coach Matt Daly and enlisting biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan.
Key Match Takeaways
- Serving Struggles: Gauff has been working on improving her serve since her first-round exit at Wimbledon last month, where she experienced high unforced error rates.
- Longtime Collaboration: Despite the coaching change, Gauff continues to work with her support of long-term coach Jean-Christophe Faurel.
In her post-match interview, Gauff reflected on the pressure she faced:
"Yeah, it was a tough match. I had chances for it to be straight sets. Ajla was tough. It wasn’t the best, but I’m happy to get through to the next round. I’m trying, but it’s an improvement from last week in Cincy."
Looking Ahead: Next Round Challenges
Gauff’s next opponent will be Donna Vekic, a challenge that promises to be equally thrilling. Fans are eager to see how Gauff adapts her strategy after overcoming her recent struggles, including accumulating 62 unforced errors in her previous match against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini during the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals.
Upcoming Matches
- Opponent: Donna Vekic
- Date: Thursday (exact date TBD)
For more on Coco Gauff’s career and upcoming matches, visit USTA.
As the U.S. Open continues, fans and celebrities alike will be keeping a close eye on Gauff’s performance as she strives to claim her place among the tournament’s elite.
Feel free to immerse yourself in the excitement of the U.S. Open by following the latest updates on ESPN.