Jessica Pegula says Coco Gauff showed "guts" but also that she is human after breaking down in tears during her US Open second-round match and still finding a way to win.
After losing her serve and giving Donna Vekic a chance to serve out for the opening set of their second-round match, Gauff started crying on the court before putting a towel over her head. When the action resumed in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 21-year-old managed to change the situation on the court and complete a 7-6 (5) 6-2 win.
Following the match, Gauff admitted to "feeling my worst on the court" before noting that she also showed she was "just a human."
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On Friday, American No. 2Pegula was in action and she beat Victoria Azarenka 6-1 7-5 to reach the US Open round-of-16.
Pegula: What Gauff did takes guts
Being able to break down in front of a stadium and still win the match that takes guts. Ashe is overwhelming. You feel like youre failing, then youre crying, and then you still win. Thats even harder than not showing any emotion," the 31-year-old explained.
It showed she was human, and sometimes fans dont understand that. Tennis isnt life or death, but when youve worked your whole life for this and its not working, thats really tough. Its not easy having to go out there with pressure, changing things in her serve, and feeling like youre failing in front of an entire stadium. Thats tough, and I dont think outsiders really understand how difficult that is."
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As you probably know, Gauff's form hasn't been the best since winning the French Open and she recently split with coach Matt Daly, and added biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan to her team. Against Vekic, the American struggled early on, and not wanting to lose definitely led to her feeling overwhelmed.
On Saturday, Gauffreturned to action and defeated Magdalena Frech in the US Open round-of-16, while her fellow compatriot Pegula takes on Ann Li.
