When Coco Gauff saw Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey watching the action from the Emirates suite during her match with Elise Mertens, she was instantly motivated. Jimmy Butler, an NBA player and tennis enthusiast was also present in the background.
The 19-year-old says that she was starstruck by the sight, which made her feel even more inspired to play her best tennis against Mertens. In fact, Gauff then came back to win the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 without dropping a set or even encountering a breakpoint in the third set.
After the match, Gauff expressed her feelings and said: “I was like, ‘I can’t lose in front of Justin Bieber! I didn’t lose a game after I saw him.”
She further added: “I was definitely starstruck with Justin Bieber. Never Say Never was 1 of my favorite songs as a kid. And Baby Oh Baby. I could go through all his songs.. & then Hailey too. Jimmy Butler. He’s come to a couple of my matches so I wasn’t as surprised. I’m just like ‘This guy is busy. Why is he coming to watch me play?”
Afterward, she informed the media that she was honored by the growing number of celebrities who had supported her over the previous two weeks, including Bieber, Butler, former U.S. President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Coco Gauff on Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, & Jimmy Butler watching her match at the US Open:
“I was definitely starstruck with Justin Bieber. Never Say Never was 1 of my favorite songs as a kid. And Baby Oh Baby 😂 I could go through all his songs.. & then Hailey too. Jimmy… pic.twitter.com/OwYWEDWqNB
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2023
Coco Gauff says she couldn’t lose in front of Justin Bieber:
“I was like ‘I can’t lose in front of Justin Bieber!’ I didn’t lose a game after I saw him.” 😂
I know a Belieber when I see one.
(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/C7jjjMXjIY
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2023
Justin Bieber.
Hailey Bieber.
Jimmy Butler.
Everyone is here at this Coco Gauff & Elise Mertens US Open match.
Anyone else hiding somewhere? 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2023
Gauff at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2023
WLWWWWWLWW Ranked no.6, Gauff has achieved a composed 41-13 win-loss record in 2023. The American is competing at the U.S. Open where she toppled the world no.121 Laura Siegemund 3-6 6-2 6-4, the world no.63 Mirra Andreeva 6-3 6-2 and the world no.32 Elise Mertens 3-6 6-3 6-0.
Coco Gauff will come up against the world no.623 Caroline Wozniacki in the 4th round. In the past, they have never played each other as of now on the main tour.
Gauff has won 3 titles in 2023 in Auckland, Washington and Cincinnati.
The American won 5 titles in her career: 3 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 1 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
