US Open: Coco Gauff Survives First Round Against Laura Siegemund

In a thrilling start to her US Open, young American tennis star Coco Gauff faced a tough challenge against German qualifier Laura Siegemund, per BBC Sports.

Gauff, 19, found herself on the back foot after losing the first set. Still, she showed her resilience and skill to mount a comeback, ultimately triumphing with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory.

The initial set saw Coco Gauff struggling to match Siegemund's intensity, as the German displayed a versatile game and impressive net skills.

The presence of notable figures in the crowd, including former US president Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, tennis champion Maria Sharapova, and boxer Mike Tyson, added to the pressure on Gauff.

In the second set, Gauff managed to break Siegemund's serve in a marathon opening game that lasted 26 minutes.

This hard-fought break marked a turning point, as Gauff harnessed the gained momentum to level the match by winning the set.

The deciding set showcased Gauff's determination as she broke Siegemund's serve twice to take a commanding 3-0 lead.

Despite facing challenges, including her opponent's time-wasting tactics, Gauff maintained her focus and secured a hard-earned victory.

Her reward for the win is a second-round encounter with 16-year-old Russian player Mirra Andreeva.

Coco Gauff Blasts Chair Umpire for Not Enforcing Time Violation Rules for Laura Siegemund

In a display of frustration and assertiveness, Coco Gauff took issue with what she perceived as inconsistent enforcement of time violation rules by the chair umpire during her match against Laura Siegemund at the US Open, the NY Post reports.

During the third set, with Gauff holding a comfortable 3-0 lead, tensions arose when Siegemund repeatedly signaled that she wasn't ready for Gauff's serve, leading the umpire to accommodate her requests.

Gauff voiced her displeasure, pointing out what she saw as a lack of fairness in applying time violation rules.

Gauff's frustration was palpable as she expressed her concern to the umpire. She questioned the umpire's timing of calling the score after points. She highlighted that her opponent consistently delayed the match by taking extra time during her serves.

Gauff also stressed her adherence to a moderate serving pace and emphasized that her opponent needed to be prepared for her serves.

Gauff's vocal protest resonated with the crowd, who reacted with approval to her remarks.

Siegemund received a time violation warning during the third set for exceeding the allowed time for her serves.

Coco Gauff Meets Barrack and Michelle Obama After US Open Win

Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, attended the US Open and were present in the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands to witness Coco Gauff's victorious first-round match, according to AP.

Following her win, Gauff had the chance to meet the Obamas and engage in a conversation that left a lasting impression.

Gauff expressed her surprise at realizing that the Obamas were in attendance, initially mistaking the presence of Secret Service personnel as an indication of some distinguished guests, possibly including former President Bill Clinton or President Joe Biden.

She learned after her match that it was indeed the Obamas who were there to watch her play.

While Gauff did not spot them during her match, she later had the opportunity to meet the Obamas in person.

She described her emotions as shock, happiness, and gratitude.

Coco Gauff's initial frustration after her match turned into delight upon meeting the former president and former first lady.

During their conversation, Michelle Obama shared some valuable advice with Gauff.

The former first lady encouraged the young tennis player to speak up for herself, particularly highlighting Gauff's assertiveness during the match when discussing the chair umpire's handling of her opponent's time between points.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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