"Whatever happens, happens": Coco Gauff admits feeling good after comfortable win in US Open opener

America’s young tennis star Coco Gauff has stated that she is feeling better after securing her first-round win at the US Open. The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year began on Monday, where players from all over the world are participating to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize.

Gauff is participating in the mega-event. She has booked her spot in the second round after beating France’s Varvara Gracheva in the opening round in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-0. Talking after the match, Gauff, who is defending her title, admitted that she was feeling a ‘bit off’ before the start of the competition, but she is feeling much better after the result. She also highlighted the pressure she is facing because of winning the title last year.

“I feel like I’m finding my game,” she said. “This week, I just felt like I was really finding my game. So I was confident going in today. I knew based on how I was practicing, I can find my game regardless of the scoreline. Then it’s just about executing. There is definitely a lot of pressure at this tournament, but I am just enjoying it. Last year was incredible so I am just bringing those vibes this year. Whatever happens, happens. I wasn’t surprised about my level because I was practicing really well this week. It was a really good practice week. I was just telling myself that I’m ready, that I had a great practice week.”

Gauff is set to face off against Germany’s Tatjana Maria in the second round of the mega-event. The 37-year-old booked her place after beating Argentina’s Solana Sierra in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-3. It will be the second meeting between the two in professional tennis. The only previous meeting between the two was during the ASB Classic in 2023, where Gauff came out on top in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-1.