Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘Forbidden City’ Luck Might Just Rub off on Coco Gauff as She Gears Up For One Last Hurdle

Did you know that a cultural and architectural marvel in China brings good luck? Yes, you read it right. The Forbidden City in Beijing has several elements that are considered to be auspicious. Ask Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz, who visited that heritage site ahead of their respective campaigns at the China Open. Indeed, it proved to be lucky for the Spaniard as he defeated Jannik Sinner to win the tournament. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff is one step away from imitating Alcaraz’s feat and hinted at a transfer of luck ahead of her summit clash.

The American sensation will take on Karolina Muchova in the final tomorrow. While it hasn’t been a good season for Gauff so far, the Forbidden City luck can turn things in her favor. Interestingly, Carlos Alcaraz, after winning the China Open title, got a chance to sit on the traditional Chinese chair, which is a big thing in their culture.

Asked if she was excited to sit on the same chair as Alcaraz if she wins the title, Gauff said, “Yeah, my thoughts? I mean, I’m just focused on the moment. Obviously it would be great to be there and sit on it and hold the trophy. It will be my first 1000 title of the year. Yeah, but I think for me, you just can’t look too far ahead. We both made the final. We both went to the Forbidden City together. Somebody asked me in the beginning of the week if that would give us luck. So far it’s working. Hopefully, I can follow in Carlos’ footsteps.”

Alcaraz and Gauff visited the Forbidden City together where they donned traditional clothing and posed for pictures. The duo was welcomed inside the Forbidden City, the famous royal palace of ancient China that was home to two dozen emperors. Additionally, they also learned about museum artifacts.

Coming back to the tournament though, it was a tough battle for Gauff against an in-form Paula Badosa in the semifinals of the China Open. She rallied from a set down to knock out her Spanish opponent. The 20-year-old was proud of her efforts.

Coco Gauff on entering the China Open final: ‘It feels great’

After winning her first Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, Gauff hasn’t had a great 2024 season. She has won just a solitary title this year and had a disappointing performance at the Slams. Additionally, she also announced changes to her coaching team, with Matt Daly replacing Brad Gilbert as her coach. Amid a turbulent season, Gauff is satisfied with her showing in Beijing.

She revealed, “I’m really happy with how I was able to come back today. Paula’s a tough opponent and every time we play it’s a tough match. I knew mentally I had to be there at every point and, regardless of the result, I’m proud of how I was able to fight. It feels great to finish it with a final. I told my team, it’s a long two weeks but it’s worth it.”

In the summit clash, Gauff will face Karolina Muchova, who defeated the local star, Qinwen Zheng. While Gauff will be the favorite to lift the title, Muchova cannot be underestimated as she can defeat any player on her day.