The rise of Coco Gauff to ascendency at this year’s US OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS is nothing short of astounding. The 19-year-old has owned Flushing Meadows since the day of her arrival, trouncing her opponents in decisive wins to take on Latvian world no. 20 Jelena Ostopenko in the quarter finals. Today at the semifinals match Gauff just became the first teen since Serena Williams in 2001 to reach the US OPEN semifinals after she defeated Ostapenko 6-0, 6-2. Gauff turned a lopsided performance into a resounding defeat of a potentially dangerous opponent.
“Fight for every point,” was Coco’s avowed strategy going into the semifinals match and she did not disappoint. With newly minted coach Brad Gilbert on the sidelines sporting his “Darth Vader” sunhat, both he and the crowd seemed to settle in for certain victory.
Gauff and Ostapenko had faced off on two previous occasions, with a win for each.
This time, under blistering 90-degree heat, Gauff managed to turn two missed opportunities at breakpoint into a solid lead.
Ostapenko’ s frustration was most evident midway through the second set. Just when she seemed to have Gauff on the ropes with a pair of unforced errors, Gauff scored with a carefully placed dropshot followed by a pair of deep volleys into the back court that sent Ostapenko’ flying into the net. Game over!
Sporting a new “do” and designer duds Gauff scored a thundering opening night victory against German powerhouse Laura Siegemund in the first round.
Gauff subsequently powered her way through a series of formidable opponents to get to the semifinal, most notably Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who was hoping for a comeback after being off the tour for three years.
Ostopenko is no slouch herself, having knocked off world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the fourth round.
Gauff, the world no. 6, has been coached recently by veteran king and queen maker Brad Gilbert. The yearling contender is looking and sounding like a champion, shouting down court-side instructions from an over-anxious Gilbert during the Wozniacki match and letting her nervous Dad observe the action from a faraway box seat.
Gauff stormed into this year’s tournament with recent victories in DC and Cincinnati. She’s looking to make this year’s Open a Triple Crown.
Dwight Casimere is The Times Weekly, media, sports, and entertainment reporter/contributor for 17 years. dcas@thetimesweekly.com