Coco Gauff battled past an ailing Donna Vekic 7-6(5), 6-2 in the second round of the US Open and said she was inspired by superstar gymnast Simone Biles’ attendance.
Entering the tournament with serious concerns about her serve, Gauff labored and gutted through a match full of errors. Gauff finished with eight double faults and only won 5 of 19 points on her second serve. It just so happened that Vekic — battling an arm injury — had 36 unforced errors and 10 double faults.
The 21 year old will play Magdalena Frech in the next round.
Gauff cut an emotional figure after the match, completely in tears at the post-match interview. The crowd gave her rousing ovation to lift her spirits and ease the pressure. After thanking the crowd, she also made special mention of Biles.
“I saw her and, honestly, I don’t know if she’s up there but she helped me pull it out,” Gauff said. “I was just thinking if she can go on a six-inch beam and do that with all the pressures of the world then I can hit the ball in this 75 — I don’t know how big this court is.
“Just knowing her story with all the things she went through mentally. So, she’s an inspiration, surely, and her presence definitely did help me today.”
When it mattered most on Thursday night, @CocoGauff drew inspiration from @Simone_Biles who was in attendance. pic.twitter.com/3BiNBfXLhu
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2025
Gauff And Biles Have Plenty Of Love For Each Other
Later at her press conference, Gauff recalled watching Biles for the first time at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Having closely followed her career since then, Gauff considers Biles to be one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Gauff went on to say that Biles along with Serena Williams are both on her Mount Rushmore.
The most decorated gymnast in history, Biles spoke with ESPN about Gauff during the match and was just as complimentary.
“She’s incredible, amazing, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity [to watch her] so it’s just such a privilege to watch her on home soil and watch Black girl magic,” Biles said.
Biles said the traits she admires most about Gauff are her grace and humility.
The two stars had a chance to meet after the match as well, a moment that was captured by cameras.
The moment @CocoGauff met @Simone_Biles 🥹 pic.twitter.com/mbqh2kmTEY
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2025
