‘Knock Me Down’ – Cardi B Influence Drives Coco Gauff to Victory as 14-0 Iga Swiatek Drought Ends in Cincinnati

Coco Gauff continues her fine run of form. Following her triumphant Washington win, the 19-year-old has taken it up a notch. After seven consecutive failures, Gauff finally overcame her biggest nightmare in Cincinnati. The American locked horns with World No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

A massive underdog in the match, Gauff needed plenty of support from the crowd. They certainly did not let down as Gauff registered her first win over Swiatek. She made it to her first WTA 1000 final, and that too she did it on home soil. However, it was the famous American musician, Cardi B, whose words inspired the teenager to heal the scar tissue.

Cardi B’s famous song inspires Coco Gauff victory

Prior to today’s encounter, Gauff suffered a 0-7 record against Swiatek. On top of that, she never managed to take a set off the World No. 1. However, after making significant changes to her team recently, Gauff unveiled a new version of herself, thereby ending her 14 set drought against the Pole.

In her on-court interview following the win, Gauff made a reference to Cardi B.

She said, “I saw a quote. ‘Knock me down 9 times, get up 10.’ It’s a Cardi B song. So in this case, knock me down 7 times, get up 8.”

The American teenage sensation recalled the iconic lines from the song ‘Get up 10‘, from Cardi B’s debut album. Interestingly, Gauff mentioned seven times, rather than nine times, as she had lost seven consecutive battles against the Pole.

However, Gauff still has a major hurdle to overcome; the final is going to be far from easy.

READ MORE: ‘Had to Deal With a Lot of C**P’- 19-Year-Old Coco Gauff Turns Emotional After Beating African-American Opponent as She Reveals Adversities Growing Up

For someone with no WTA 1000s to her name, the 19-year-old is bound to be slightly nervous.

Who will Gauff take on in the final?

The second semi-final between Aryna Sabalenka or Karolina Muchova will determine Gauff’s final opponent. The Belarusian who is the reigning the Australian Open champion is never an easy opponent on hard courts. On the other hand, Muchova recently made the Roland Garros finals. Taking on either opponents would be an uphill task and Gauff will have to regroup right away as the final is about 24 hours away.

Who do you think would be a befitting opponent for Gauff in the final? Aryna Sabalenka or Karolina Muchova? Do let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘I Go With Whatever Serena Says’ – American Tennis Star Coco Gauff Not Sure About Serena Williams’ Retirement