Americans Coco Gauff and Caty McNally surpassed expectations at the doubles event of the 2021 US Open, reaching the final before losing to the veteran duo of Samantha Stosur and Zhang Shuai in a thrilling three-set match.
Stosur and Zhang prevailed over "Team McCoco" 6-3 3-6 6-3 on Sunday afternoon in Arthur Ashe stadium, preventing the American duo from winning their first doubles Grand Slam title together. However, Gauff and McNally remained positive after their loss, as the 14th seeds were grateful to have reached their first Grand Slam semifinal and final as a team.
"Obviously not the result that we wanted, but we were there," Gauff said after the match. "I think the match was decided within, like, three or four points. I think for next time we know how to do better on those points."
Furthermore, they had praise for their veteran opponents, stating that Stosur and Zhang deserved to win the title considering their Grand Slam success in the past.
"Our opponents, Shuai and Sam, played a great match. There's a reason why they've both had a couple Grand Slams, great results in Grand Slams."