Teenage rising star Coco Gauff says she will have to be ‘her own cheerleader’ at the US Open amid the COVID-19 restrictions that will be in place.
For the first time ever at the New York major fans will not be allowed to attend due to the ongoing pandemic that has resulted in more than 166,000 deaths in America alone. A major contrast to 2019 which attracted more than 700,000 visitors during its duration. Among other changes, players will be kept in a bubble and be limited to where they will be able to travel within the city, as well as subjected to regular COVID-19 testing. This year’s Western and Southern Open, which is usually held in Cincinnati, is also taking place at the same venue as the US Open.
It is the prospect of not being cheered on by the usually animated New York crowd that has left some players worrying about the impact it may have on them. However, 16-year-old Gauff is confident that it will not be such a big issue for her. The world No.53 will be playing in only her fourth Grand Slam main draw.
“I wouldn’t say that I have gotten entirely used to playing with a crowd. Like a year and a half ago, no one knew who I was so it’s really not that difficult I guess to play without a crowd,” Gauff told reporters on Saturday at the Top Seed Open.
“Obviously, I prefer a crowd but I just keep myself motivated… But I kind of like it, it’s kind of calm and it’s definitely different but I don’t dislike it.”
Gauff has already made a mark in the major events within the past year. Becoming just the third player to have won eight or more Grand Slam matches over the past 30 years before their 16th birthday. At the Australian Open in January she stunned Naomi Osaka to become the youngest woman to score a win over a top 5 player in a major since 1991.
Admitting the absence of fans at the upcoming US Open will be a ‘different experience,’ Gauff is determined to not let it hinder her performance.
“Particularly in New York, knowing that the New York crowd is crazy, there’s possibly a disadvantage for American players. Not like a disadvantage but a different experience. From my experience, a crowd can definitely change a match. So it will be different but at the end of the day, you have to be your own cheerleader on court.” She said.
Gauff returned to competitive tennis this week in Lexington. Scoring wins over seeded players Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur en route to the semi-finals. She was knocked out of the tournament on Saturday by fellow compatriot Jennifer Brady in straight sets.
The US Open will start on August 31st.
