A tearful Coco Gauff thanked superstar gymnast Simone Biles for bringing a “bit of calm” as she found a way to beat Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the US Open second round.
Gauff, 21, was reduced to tears by more double faults before settling to win 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 on a supportive Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Biles was among the New York crowd as third seed Gauff toiled in a first set which was excruciating to watch at times.
On seeing Biles providing support in the stands, Gauff said: “She helped me pull it out.
“I thought if she can go on a six-inch beam with all the pressures in the world then I can hit the ball into this court.
“It brought me a little bit of calm. She is an inspiration to me and her presence helped me win.”
Days before her home Grand Slam, Gauff made a bold move to reshuffle her team in a bid to stem the flow of double faults.
Gauff made what she described as a “sudden decision” after hitting 16 double faults in her Cincinnati exit against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
Grip specialist Matt Daly paid the price as the American player brought in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who helped rival Aryna Sabalenka overcome her serving yips.
The drastic measure has brought increased scrutiny at what is already a high-pressure tournament for the 2023 champion.
