Coco Gauff eliminated following a Sensational Australian Open run
Photo credit: ESPN
MELBOURNE PARK, AU - The 2024 Australian Open is in full swing as tonight Qinwen Zheng and Aryna Sabalenka meet in Rod Laer Arena for the grand slam final. Yesterday, No. 4 Coco Gauff battled No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in a heated match where Sabalenka advanced to her second consecutive final. Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus defeated Gauff in straight sets, 7-6 (2), 6-4 on Thursday night at the Australian Open. The 2023 US Open champion fell short in Australia, but Gauff’s remarkable run does not go unnoticed. In fact, she is even more driven than ever before. While Gauff is a champion, she is no stranger to losing tough matches. After losing in the first round at Wimbledon last year, the experience helped her gain perspective.
“I realized that losing isn’t all that bad and that I should just focus on the battle and the process and enjoy it. I found myself being able to play freer and trust myself more,” said Gauff.
Gauff went to social media and wrote that she was coming back stronger. The 19-year-old tennis star kept her head held high despite the loss, as she revealed on Instagram that she is evolving. The young star has shown perseverance in a new light after sharing a heartfelt post.
“Reminding myself that i’m still evolving. time to get back to work and come back stronger. thank you @australianopen for the memories this year and thank you everyone for their support💙💛” Gauff wrote on Instagram, along with a carousel of images from the tournament, shortly after the loss.
Photo credit: ESPN
"I had chances in both sets, but she played better tonight," Gauff said. "I felt like I did my best with the game plan that I had. I think it just came down to a couple of points," said Gauff during a press conference.
Tonight, the grand slam will continue without Coco as Sabalenka looks to hold her title against Qinwen Zheng in Melbourne Park.
