Sometimes, inspiration comes at just the right moment. For Coco Gauff at the US Open, it came from watching Frances Tiafoe refuse to give up.
The WTA World No. 4 saved two match points Wednesday against Mirra Andreeva to reach the semi-finals, drawing on Tiafoe’s remarkable comeback a day earlier. Tiafoe was two sets to love and a break down against Alex Michelsen before fighting back to win in five, and Gauff said watching his resilience helped her find a way through when she faced trouble of her own.
"I was watching the end of that set, and it looked like he was down and out," Gauff shared, speaking to the media following her win Wednesday. "Sometimes you just need a chance, and I think I got my chances today… Honestly, I didn't know how the third set would go, but I was just really focused on trying not to lose that second set and keep it competitive.
"One point turned into another. Once the third set started, I felt pretty confident that I was going to come out with that one. Sometimes you just need a little bit of inspiration, and Frances was that for me in that moment."
For Gauff, Tiafoe’s impact extends far beyond the tennis court. The two-time major champion shared that she admires the American's kindness and generosity toward her and her family, as well as the positive energy and encouragement he brings to everyone around him.
"Frances is such a light and such a joy to have on Tour," Gauff shared. "Always been so nice and just hyping me up and my family up. He's a special type of person, and I think almost everybody can agree that he's one of the few players who is always lighting up the room and giving respect towards, especially us women, too, hyping us up.
"I think that's something really special. He's a rare person in this world and in this sport. Hopefully, everybody recognizes that."
Tiafoe will now face fellow American Ben Shelton in the semi-finals, with a place in the US Open final on the line.
"I have so much respect for both Ben and Frances," Gauff said. "So I'm just rooting for a good match, and hopefully whoever wins can bring it home."
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