MusaCoco Gauff has always been known for her candor both on and off the court, and her latest revelation about fellow American tennis star Frances Tiafoe is no exception. Speaking in a recent interview, the 20-year-old U.S. Open champion shared her first impressions of Tiafoe, recalling their initial meeting years ago when she was still an up-and-coming junior player.
According to Gauff, Tiafoe’s energy and infectious personality immediately stood out. “The first time I met Frances, I thought he was one of the most outgoing players I’d ever seen,” she said with a laugh. “He was loud—in a good way—and super friendly. I could tell right away that he loved the game and loved making people smile.”
The two have since formed a strong friendship, often seen supporting each other during tournaments. Their mutual respect has only grown as both players have made their mark in American tennis—Gauff becoming one of the youngest Grand Slam champions in recent history, and Tiafoe reaching the U.S. Open semifinals in 2022, making history along the way.
Gauff also noted that Tiafoe’s approach to the sport has influenced her own mindset. “Frances plays with so much joy. Even when the pressure is on, he finds a way to keep smiling and have fun. That’s something I’ve tried to incorporate more into my own game.”
As American tennis continues to experience a resurgence, fans have embraced the camaraderie between its rising stars. With Gauff and Tiafoe both aiming for more Grand Slam success, their mutual admiration and shared drive could prove to be an inspiring force for the next generation of players.
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