“I didn’t want to jinx it”: Coco Gauff reveals Carlos Alcaraz fears after China Open triumph

Coco Gauff revealed that she was worried about a ‘jinx’ related to Carlos Alcaraz before triumphing in the China Open final. The American secured her second title of the season by comfortably defeating Czech Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-3.

Recent months hadn’t been great for Gauff, with some disappointing losses in her previous tournaments. Her early exit at the last US Open caused a drop in her ranking from No. 2 to No. 6, after which Gauff announced the end of her partnership with coach Brad Gilbert. The American brought Matt Daly into her team, and in their first tournament together, Gauff claimed her second WTA 1000 title.

Gauff feared the worst when asked if a visit to the Forbidden City with Carlos Alcaraz could bring her luck. The two toured the Forbidden City, the center of Chinese politics for five centuries, and took photos in traditional Chinese attire.

“Carlos and I both went to the Forbidden City earlier this week. Someone in [a press conference] asked me if it was gonna bring luck. I was like I don’t know, I don’t want to jinx it. Then Carlos won. At that time it was only Round of 16 for me. But I guess the Imperial Palace brought us luck.”

Throughout the tournament, Gauff defeated players such as Katie Boulter, Naomi Osaka, Paula Badosa, and Karolina Muchova in the final. The Czech player has been impressive in her return to the Tour, with an 18-5 record this season and reaching two finals. After just a handful of tournaments following a 10-month injury, Muchova secured her spot in the top 30 starting Monday after a strong week in Beijing.

“I want to say congratulations to you, Karolina. It’s great to see you back on tour. You’re such an amazing player. You deserve everything. Hopefully, we play many more finals,” Gauff said during the award ceremony. “I don’t wanna say I hope some go your way, but maybe against someone else they’ll go your way. It’s incredible to see how you manage your season after so many injuries. Hopefully, you stay healthy this year and for the rest of your career.”

Muchova also had words for her rival, extending the head-to-head to 3-0. In all of their encounters, Gauff ended up winning the title, including at the 2023 Cincinnati Open and US Open, and now in Beijing. “You kicked my butt today, literally… Again. You must love playing against me,” Muchova said. “It was really tough today. It just showed how great of an athlete you are. Congratulations on another win. Good luck for the rest of the season. All the best for you and your team.”