After Stunning World No.1 in Cincinnati, Coco Gauff Reveals Riveting ‘Warrior’ Self-Motivation

Coco Gauff is creating wonders with Andre Agassi’s ex-coach, Brad Gilbert, on her side. It has been an amazing hard court season for the American teenager. After securing her career’s biggest title at the Citi Open, she continued to the finals of the Cincinnati Masters and lifted the trophy. However, it was her journey to the title that was impressive. Gauff defeated Iga Swiatek to reach the finals. This was her first win against the Pole, and reaching the final deserves a celebration.

Defeating the WTA 1st seed who won 4 Grand Slams is no easy feat. The American shared her thoughts, after the match, about how she achieved the greatest win.

Coco Gauff reminds herself who she is while playing WTA No. 1

Swiatek previously defeated Gauff in all 7 of their encounters without dropping a set. The Pole held the record of winning 14 sets in a row against Gauff. But in the semi-final match at Ohio, the teenage American star ended the WTA 1st seed’s dominance. Gauff defeated Swiatek in a three-set thriller, 6-7(2), 6-3, 4-6.

Playing in front of a home crowd is encouraging, but handling the pressure, especially against the opponent who won every set against Gauff, can be scary. But the 7th seed in singles pushed her limits. In the post-match conversation with ‘Tennis Channel,’ Gauff revealed how she motivated herself.

Gauff said to herself, “You are a warrior. Really, to be honest, I was just saying I am Coco Gauff, and I can do it, I said.” The former doubles number one also disclosed her thoughts before entering the court and how playing against the Pole felt. She had only one thing on her mind, and she did it.

READ MORE: Moments After Sealing Semi Final Spot in Cincinnati, Coco Gauff Opens Up on ‘Little Anger’ Act

The teenager admits Iga Swiatek was a difficult opponent

The US Open quarter-finalist of 2022 stated, “I was going into the match, and you know, playing her, you have to give it your all, and I felt it from the moment I stepped on the court that I wasn’t gonna lose this match today even when the moment has got tough and, yeah, I was right I guess.”

After her shocking first-round exit at the Wimbledon Championships, Gauff won 10 of her 11 previous matches. For this match against Swiatek, Gilbert and Pere Riba offered their expertise, which did the trick. Legends and pundits are already in favor of Gauff working with Gilbert. This win only got the fans and tennis community even more curious to see more of the American teenager.

Do you think Gauff can carry this momentum forward and secure her first Grand Slam title in New York?

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