‘Played On My Terms’ – Gauff Takes Positives Despite US Open Exit

Coco Gauff was beaten by Elena Rybakina

Coco Gauff bows out to Elena Rybakina at US Open but backs her improvements.

Coco Gauff exits US Open but sees progress in loss to Rybakina...

Home favourite Coco Gauff’s US Open run came to an end on Thursday with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Elena Rybakina. Despite the disappointment, the American left New York encouraged by the progress she has made with changes to her game.  

“I think I played almost every match ‌on my terms,” the 22-year-old told reporters. “I think ‌the worst match for me was maybe the quarter-final where I maybe fell back into some old habits, but ‌in 24 hours I was able ⁠to switch that.” 

Rybakina, who will replace Aryna Sabalenka as world No.1 on Monday, kept Gauff under constant pressure and won the big points.  

“I think she played really well. I thought it was a really good match, and honestly, it came down to a ‌couple service games of mine in both sets, and I didn't quite hold,” Gauff said.

The American lifted the US Open in 2023 and has enjoyed a strong run in recent months. She reached her first Wimbledon semi-final, won the title in Cincinnati, made the last four in Toronto, and backed that up with another deep run in New York.

“My ‌dad came up to me and was like, you accomplished so many great things this summer, ‌and I'm like, I don't care about the summer,” she said.

“But, I mean, it's the goal. I want to be a consistent player. I want to give myself as many opportunities to ⁠lift a trophy. ⁠But, yeah, it hurts.”

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