"I'm gonna do it again" - Coco Gauff proclaims she'll defend US Open title despite worrying signs about form in lead-up

Coco Gauff kicked off her US Open title defense in scintillating fashion on Monday, beating France's Victoria Gracheva 6-2, 6-0. During her on-court interview following the win, the American was quizzed on one of her comments from her pre-tournament press conference about lifting silverware at Flushing Meadows once again.

Third-seeded Gauff was on fire during her opener at the New York Major, blitzing past Gracheva in just over an hour. The convincing victory dispelled any concerns over the her recent form; she had dropped four of her last seven matches, which included a second-round exit at the recently concluded Cincinnati Open.

Speaking to Rennae Stubbs afterwards, she was asked a rather eclectic question by the former player-turned-analyst on a recent shift in her "perspective" on ups and downs.

"I noticed that you said in your press conference earlier that you saw something on TikTok that actually made you think a different perspective coming in here," Rennae Stubbs said (1:44).

In response, Coco Gauff disclosed that a fan had implored the American to take it easy in the comments of one of her posts on TikTok since she was already a successful top tennis pro. Their kind words impacted the World No. 3 deeply by her own admission. She then vowed to repeat her 2023 US Open triumph someday, which garnered a thundering applause from the Arthur Ashe crowd.

"Oh, so somebody commented on my TikTok, and they were just like, 'Ugh, you've won in life literally and figuratively, and there's no point in putting pressure on yourself on a victory lap,'' Coco Gauff told Rennae Stubbs (2:00). "So, I'm just treating this tournament like that if you defend something that means you won something."

"And if you did it that means you can do it again. So, whether I do it again this year or not... I'm gonna do it again! Whether it's 2024 or not, I will do it again."

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Coco Gauff: "If you defend, that means you won something before"

Coco Gauff hits a backhand at US Open 2024

Coco Gauff is one of the favourites to reign supreme at this year's US Open. The World No. 3 maintained in her pre-tournament press conference that being the defending champion at the New York Major was a privilege despite the pressure, as her 2023 title run had indicated that she was a prospect for more Major triumphs in the future.

"Yeah, it's a new year for a new opportunity. Really excited to be back here and have a great tournament," Coco Gauff told the media before her 2024 US Open campaign. "Obviously, coming in as defending champion is a little bit of pressure, but also more of a privilege, because as my new motto is: If you defend, that means you won something before. I'm excited to be back here and hopefully have a good two weeks."

Coco Gauff won her maiden Major title at Flushing Meadows against all odds last year. Coming in as the sixth seed, the young American came from a set down to defeat higher-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the women's singles final.