Coco Gauff reveals surprise meeting with Barack and Michelle Obama helped calm her down after frustrating US Open win over Laura Siegemund: ‘That’s brightened my mood so much’
Coco Gauff reveals surprising meeting with Barack and Michelle Obama that helped her calm down after frustrating US Open victory over Laura Siegemund: ‘That brightened my mood so much’
Coco Gauff said a surprise meeting with Barack and Michelle Obama helped ease her frustrations “bottled up” during a tantalizing US Open win over Laura Siegemund.
The Obamas were among the crowd on Arthur Ashe as Gauff fought back from a set down to beat the world No. 121 in the first round.
Tensions bubbled up throughout the three sets as Gauff, her team, the crowd and ultimately the referee felt that Siegemund had gone too long between points.
The German was reprimanded, but Gauff still spoke to officials. “She’s never done when I serve. She went over the clock 4 times. You timed her once. How is this fair?’ she asked the referee.
Gauff echoed these frustrations in her on-field interview, but at her post-game press conference, the 19-year-old was calmed down thanks to a chat with the former president and First Lady.
Barack and Michelle Obama smile Monday during Coco Gauff’s first-round victory
Gauff pulled off a thrilling comeback victory in the opening round of the US Open
“Actually, I just met them right before I came in here, so my mood is a little better. Maybe I’m saying nicer things than I intended,” Gauff said with a smile.
“It lifted my mood so much… I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. Yes, I went from really upset after a win to very happy. So I’m glad I got to know them. They also gave me good advice.’
Gauff revealed that Michelle was happy to see her fighting her corner in the debate due to wasting time.
“I think she was glad I stood up for myself today,” the teen said.
“I wasn’t sure if they were here or not. I’ve seen the Secret Service. I didn’t know if it was Mr. (Joe) Biden and Mrs. (Jill) Biden. I knew it was someone, but then I heard that Mr. (Bill) Clinton might be coming. I didn’t know who it was until after the game.’
Cauff watched the presidential box, but did not see the Obamas.
“I think they weren’t in my eyeline. But then they told me they wanted to say hello,” she continued.
“I’ve met Mrs. Obama before. They initially told me it was just her. Then Mr. Obama was also there in the room. I was like, “Oh my God!” I didn’t let it sink in because I literally walked in here.’
Then it was Gauff’s turn to argue with the chair umpire during Monday’s game in Vlissingen
Gauff moves into the second round, where she will face fellow teen Mirra Andreeva, who is only 16.
“Today was a really ugly win,” she said.
“My team told me I should have said something sooner,” Gauff added of Siegemund.
‘I don’t really like confrontation. I thought about it the whole game. I wasn’t sure if I was right or not until it happened several times… I wanted to vent my frustration but also be censored. I didn’t want bombs to fly or anything like that.’
But Gauff believes the frustration ultimately worked in her favor. “I think it really helped today… the frustration was kicking in, to be honest. If I could do it again, I would have said something sooner,” she said.
“I actually watched the video when I took the ice bath. I wanted to make sure before I came in here. Sometimes you have these emotions, you forget what you said. I would still say whatever I said at the time.’
Gauff added, “I know you do one wrong move, people will give you all kinds of swear words and knock you down.”
Today I think it was important to show that you can do all of this, and still stick to your point of view, and that people will respect you. I think as long as you approach someone with respect, everything will be fine.’