In his prime, Kobe Bryant served as an inspiration to a generation of young sportsmen. After his retirement, he continued to inspire people, and he did so even after his sudden death. Coco Gauff, who is actively seeking victory, is one of the biggest performers Bryant has influenced. She will still be thinking about the NBA legend as she advances to the US Open final.
Gauff felt overwhelmed following her victory over Karolna Muchová as she advanced to her second slam final and gained a chance at winning her first major title. While this was reason for celebration, Gauff’s mind went away as there was still work to be done, much like late NBA legend and former Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant.
Along with Bryant, Gauff admires another NBA player. The NBA’s top scorer and Los Angeles Lakers player, many have been inspired by him. Gauff is one of them and strives to imitate the star in various ways.
In the post-match interview, Gauff said: “Job’s not done.”
Gauff clarified after reporters asked her: “Yeah. Definitely. He’s, like, has an incredible mentality. One of the things is when he’s up and, you know, the finals, NBA Finals when they’re up in the count or 3-1, whatever lead they have, he doesn’t celebrate. He’d satisfy, give himself a pat on the back but time to move on.”
She further added: “So that’s the mentality that I have. I’m trying to enjoy the moment but also knowing I still have more work to do. Yes, the final is an incredible achievement but it’s something that I’m not satisfied with yet.”
Gauff at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2023
WWLWWLWWWW Now ranked no.6, the American has achieved a compiled 44-13 match record in 2023. Coco is playing at the moment 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, the world no.32 Elise Mertens 3-6 6-3 6-0, the world no.623 Caroline Wozniacki 6-3 3-6 6-1, the world no.21 Jelena Ostapenko 6-0 6-2 and the world no.10 Karolina Muchova 6-4 7-5.
Coco Gauff will take on the world no.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the final on Saturday at 4:00 pm on ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM. Their head to head is 3-2 for Gauff.
The American clinched 3 titles in 2023 in Auckland, Washington and Cincinnati.
Gauff 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)
