Coco Gauff can count on weight support. Winner of the Cincinnati Masters and title contender at the US Open, the American player struggled during her entry into contention against the German qualifier Laura Siegemund, on the night of Monday to Tuesday, finally winning in three sets in almost three hours of play (3-6, 6-2, 6-4).
The sixth player in the world, eagerly awaited by her audience, ultimately did not fall into the trap of the first round under the eyes of Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. The former President of the United States, present in the stands alongside legend Billie Jean King and skier Lindsey Vonn, came to attend the ceremony of the 50th anniversary of the equality of prize money in the tournament, celebrated on the main court outside the game.
“I actually just met the Obamas just before I came here,” Gauff told reporters after his win, according to the WTA. I have already met Mrs. Obama. At first they told me it was just her. Then Mr. Obama was also present in the room. I think I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. »
Carrying the hopes of American tennis, the 19-year-old player will have a lot to do in the second round, against 16-year-old Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva.
