Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff’s ambition to become the first African-American Grand Slam winner since the Williams sister suffered a major blow after she was beaten by Ostapenko in a hard-fought third-round game. Ostapenko won the game 7-5 and 6-3.
After early exits for the world no. 1 IgaSwiatek(vs Elena Rybakina) and world no. 2 OnsJabeur, the stage was all set for the world no 7 seed Coco Gauff to win her first Grand Slam title. She had beaten Emma Raducanu in straight sets in the second round and looked in great form coming into the third round. However, her hopes were dashed in the third round by an inspired Ostapenko, a former French Open champion.
In an emotional interview to the media after the loss, a very emotional Coco Gauff broke down in tears.
“I think it’s because I worked really hard, I felt really good coming into the tournament and I still feel good,” the teen-age sensation said.
She praised her opponent and graciously admitted she came second-best on the day, “I still feel like I’ve improved a lot. But when you play player like her (Ostapenko) and she plays really well, there’s nothing you can do.”
Gauff will team-up with fellow American Jessica Pegula in the Doubles competition. The duo made it to the final of the French Open last year but failed to win the trophy. However, this year the duo is looking for their first Double Grand Slam title.
“I think doubles has taught me how to play, after losing, how to play with frustration and that’s why I felt like today, I was frustrated,” she added.
“I still feel like I’ve improved a lot. But when you play player like her (Ostapenko) and she plays really well, there’s nothing you can do.”
-Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff had a tremendous year in 2022, when she made to the final of the French Open. She had her eyes sent on the Australian open to which she entered into with an eight wins winning streak that included the WTA title at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
