New York – Coco Gauff’s bid for a second US Open title ended on Thursday with a 3-6 6-4 6-4 loss to Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. Despite the disappointment, the 22‑year‑old American left the tournament convinced that the changes she’s implemented in her training and match strategy are starting to pay off.
Gauff’s own assessment
Speaking to reporters on the court, Gauff said, “I think I played almost every match on my terms. The quarter‑final was the toughest because I slipped back into some old habits, but within 24 hours I was able to adjust.” She added that the experience reinforced her belief that continued hard work will bring her closer to the consistency she seeks.
Rybakina’s performance
Rybakina, who is set to assume the world No. 1 ranking on Monday, applied relentless pressure throughout the match and capitalized on key moments. Gauff praised her opponent, noting, “She played really well. It was a good match, and honestly it came down to a couple of service games of mine in both sets, and I didn’t quite hold.”
Recent successes build confidence
Gauff’s recent résumé includes a first‑time Wimbledon semi‑final appearance, a Cincinnati title, a fourth‑place finish in Toronto, and another deep run in New York this summer. “My dad came up to me and said I’d accomplished a lot this summer, and I told him I don’t care about the summer,” she laughed, before emphasizing her long‑term goal of becoming a consistently dominant player.
Looking ahead
Looking forward, Gauff expressed excitement about the next two years of her career. “I’m just excited to keep putting in the work for another year, another two years, and see where I’m at at 24, 25, and where my game can take me,” she said. The young star remains focused on building a trophy‑winning habit and believes the lessons from this US Open loss will serve her well.
What this means for American tennis
Gauff’s candid reflections underscore a broader narrative for U.S. women’s tennis: a new generation willing to confront setbacks, adapt quickly, and aim for sustained excellence. While the immediate result was a loss, the underlying progress signals a promising future for the sport in the United States.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
