When Coco Gauff stepped on court for her Cincinnati Open opener against Wang Xinyu, few expected the drama that would unfold. She was fresh off strong performances earlier in the season, but the first set told a different story — shaky serves, tight errors, and a lack of rhythm.
It wasn’t just the scoreboard working against her — it was the pressure. Every double fault drew a murmur from the crowd, every missed forehand felt heavier than the last.
🌀 A Rocky Start
Gauff dropped the opening set and seemed to be teetering on the edge of defeat. Her first-serve percentage was far from her usual standard, and Wang was capitalizing on every short ball. For a player ranked among the world’s best, this was dangerous territory.
🔄 The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
But between sets, something clicked. Gauff later revealed in her post-match interview that the turnaround wasn’t about technique — it was about mentality.
“I told myself to stop thinking about the last point and just focus on the next one,” she said.
The difference was immediate. She began striking her returns with confidence, attacking the net more often, and dictating play from the baseline. Wang, who had been in control early, suddenly found herself on the defensive.
🚀 From Survival to Domination
Gauff took the second set with authority and carried that same aggression into the third. Each point became a mini-battle she refused to lose. The crowd fed off her energy, roaring with every winner, and by the final game, it was clear — the momentum had fully shifted.
Her win wasn’t just a ticket to Round 2. It was a statement that even on a bad day, Gauff has the mental toughness to turn the tide.
🌟 What This Means for the Rest of the Tournament
This comeback could be the spark she needs for a deep run in Cincinnati. With her confidence rebuilt and her fighting spirit on full display, every opponent now knows — you can’t count Coco out.