(VIDEO) Coco Gauff pays tribute to journalist Mike Dickson after sudden passing during Australian Open

Coco Gauff extended her condolences to the family of Mike Dickson following the tennis journalist's passing during the 2024 Australian Open. Dickson, who dedicated over 30 years to tennis journalism, tragically passed away while covering the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.

During her third-round victory press conference, the American tennis player initiated her remarks by paying tribute to Dickson. The moderator provided a moment for Gauff to share her thoughts: “Yeah, I wanted to start off this press conference spending my condolences to Mike Dickson and his family. I know for you guys, it was a huge loss in the press room,” she started.

Gauff joined other tennis players who have already expressed their condolences to the Dickson family on social media, including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. She mentioned having conversations with the journalist and appreciated his significant contribution to tennis: “Life is really precious. I couldn’t imagine what you guys and his family are going through.”

“I’ve had a couple conversations with him in the past. I know he’s been promoting the sport of tennis for a long time. It’s a huge loss amongst you guys and the players,” Coco Gauff added. “I hope that his family can rest in peacefully. Yeah, thank you,” she concluded before the questions about her match.

Undoubtedly, Gauff has risen to the occasion in the first Grand Slam of the year. The world No. 4, the reigning Grand Slam champion, is among the top contenders for the title, a status she has confirmed with stellar performances in the tournament's opening week.

In the first round, she overcame Anna Schmiedlova (6-3, 6-0) and then her compatriot Caroline Doleheide (7-6, 6-2). In her latest match at the Margaret Court Arena, she defeated 22-year-old American player Alycia Parks, who had previously defeated Leylah Fernandez in the preceding round.

For the round of 16, Gauff will face world No. 69 Magdalena Frech. The Polish tennis player has surpassed Daría Gavrilova, Caroline Garcia (16th seed), and Anastasia Zakharova, securing her spot in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. Additionally, she is on the verge of entering the top 50, marking her highest ranking to date.