Coco Gauff Defends US Open Title

Coco Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion and currently ranked third in the world, aims to defend her title at the 2024 U.S. Open, where she opened with a decisive victory over Varvara Gracheva. Despite her success, Gauff has struggled against her main rival, Iga Swiatek, winning only two sets in their twelve encounters. At just 20 years old, Gauff is already a seasoned player, having turned pro at 14 and becoming the youngest woman to win the U.S. Open since Serena Williams in 1999. She has also experienced the challenges of her rising fame, including being mistaken for other players, and continues to navigate her identity, revealing that her nickname 'Coco' stems from a family connection to her father's name. As she progresses in the tournament, Gauff faces older opponents, highlighting the generational contrasts on the court. Her journey reflects both the pressures and expectations placed on young athletes in the world of professional tennis.