Tennis

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has maintained her composure despite the heightened expectations surrounding her title defense. At her 2024 US Open Media Day press conference, Gauff acknowledged that her life has remained largely unchanged since her Grand Slam triumph.Gauff attributes her ability to handle the pressure to her gradual rise in the sport. Having competed at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center since her teenage years, she has become accustomed to the attention. This year, however, she arrives in Flushing Meadows without the momentum of a recent Masters 1000 victory.Despite her early exit in Cincinnati, Gauff believes it has provided her with an opportunity to focus on training. She has endured a busy summer, including her role as flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics. Gauff emphasizes the importance of training blocks for her success and is confident in her preparation for the US Open.While Gauff has faced criticism online, she remains unfazed. She recognizes that such negativity stems from envy or hatred and chooses to focus on positivity. She draws inspiration from a recent TikTok comment that encouraged her to embrace her victories and not stress over the need for a "victory lap."Gauff's mantra for her first-round match against Varvara Gracheva is to root for success, regardless of her opponent. She believes that this mindset will help her navigate the challenges of defending her title.

Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has made a resounding statement at Wimbledon, silencing her critics with a stunning victory over defending champion Marketa Vondrousova. Her triumph, marked by a captivating performance and a heartwarming post-match demeanor, has captivated tennis enthusiasts worldwide.Bouzas Maneiro's victory was not merely a matter of skill but also a testament to her unwavering determination. Her "SHH" tattoo, a symbol of defiance against those who doubted her abilities, serves as a constant reminder of her resilience."When you're a tennis player, you have a lot of people saying you can't do it," she explained. "My tattoo is a message to them: shut up."Her fearless approach on the court has propelled her to new heights. Having started the year outside the WTA Top 150, Bouzas Maneiro has now ascended to No. 83 in the world. Her breakthrough moment came at the Mutua Madrid Open, where she upset former world No. 2 Paula Badosa in her first WTA main draw win.Bouzas Maneiro's success is not limited to the court. Her infectious smile and genuine interviews have endeared her to fans. She credits her positive mindset for her on-court success."I played so free. I don't know, I played happy," she said after her Wimbledon victory. "That's the way I'm playing. I think when I'm playing like that, my best tennis comes out."As Bouzas Maneiro prepares for her second-round match at Wimbledon against fellow Spaniard Cristina Busca, she remains focused on her goal of continuing her upward trajectory. Her journey is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and silence their doubters.

At the All England Club on Monday, contrasting fortunes unfolded for the last two Wimbledon singles champions. While 2022 winner Elena Rybakina cruised into the second round, defending champion Marketa Vondrousova suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.Vondrousova's defeat marks a rare occurrence in Wimbledon history. She became only the fourth Wimbledon champion to lose in the first round of their title defense, joining Steffi Graf, who lost in 1994 after winning three consecutive titles.Vondrousova's title defense was clouded by concerns about her physical health. After reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, she played only 10 games of grass-court tennis before Wimbledon. In Berlin, she slipped and fell during a match, raising questions about her fitness.Despite her pre-tournament assurances that she felt "fine," Vondrousova's performance on Centre Court raised alarm bells. She double-faulted three times in the opening game and continued to struggle with her serve throughout the match, double-faulting seven times and being broken five times.Meanwhile, Bouzas Maneiro's historic victory marked several milestones in her career. It was her first main-draw win at a Grand Slam, her first tour-level win on grass, and her first career Top 10 win. Earlier this year, she had scored her first WTA main-draw victory against former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.