Simone Biles provided some inspiration to Coco Gauff during a tough match at the U.S. Open on Thursday night. And after Gauff won, she was thrilled to get the chance to chat with the Olympic star. Biles was in the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands for Gauff’s 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over Donna Vekic in the second round. During her on-court interview, Gauff thanked Biles for being there and providing a boost — then delivered the message face-to-face.
Gauff, a 21-year-old from Florida who owns two Grand Slam titles, said the thought of Biles doing her job on a balance beam gave her confidence to know she could perform on a tennis court. “She helped me pull it out,” said Gauff, who wiped away tears several times during and following the match. “It brought me a little bit of calm just knowing her story with all the things she went through mentally.” Gauff said Biles is on her Mount Rushmore of athletes, along with Serena Williams.
During an interview on ESPN’s telecast of the match, Biles said Gauff was the reason she returned to Flushing Meadows. “She’s incredible, amazing and it’s like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Biles said. “It’s just such a privilege to watch her on home soil and watch ‘Black girl magic.’”
Biles won four gold medals and one silver at the 2024 Paris Games, three years after pulling out of some events at the Tokyo Olympics because of a mental block — known in the gymnastics world as “the twisties” — that made her afraid to attempt certain dangerous moves. Gauff said she’s a fan of Biles’ for “everything she went through on the mental side of things of the sport, something that I followed closely and tried to learn from.” “To see her there tonight kind of gave me a reminder that I needed,” Gauff said.
Biles praised Gauff for her grace and humility and empathized with the decision to hire biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan to help with her serve. “As she gets older and matures, and now (that) she’s an adult, she gets to make these type of decisions that’s best for her career, so I’m supportive 100%, because I know what that’s like,” Biles said. “To see her take ownership of her career, of the court and all of that is just amazing to watch.”
Sports are often about more than physical ability; they’re about mindset, mental health, and inspiration. At the 2023 US Open, tennis prodigy Coco Gauff received an unexpected boost of encouragement from none other than Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history. What unfolded wasn’t just a celebrity moment—it was a powerful example of how athletes can inspire each other across disciplines. Let’s dive into how Simone Biles’ presence helped calm Coco Gauff, why their bond matters, and what it tells us about the future of sports and mental resilience.
The Power of Cross-Sport Inspiration
Athletes often look to legends in their own sport for motivation, but sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. Coco Gauff’s moment with Simone Biles proves that greatness isn’t limited by discipline—it’s a mindset.
Why Simone Biles Matters Beyond Gymnastics
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast. She’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and vulnerability. By openly discussing her struggles with mental health and performance pressure, Biles became a role model not just for gymnasts, but for all athletes.
Coco Gauff’s Rise in Tennis
At just 19, Coco Gauff has already made history as one of the youngest stars in tennis. But with fame comes pressure. Having Biles in her corner gave Gauff the confidence to handle the spotlight in a way only another global sports star could understand.
The US Open Atmosphere and the Need for Calm
Big tournaments like the US Open are chaotic. The crowd roars, the cameras flash, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For young athletes, this pressure can feel overwhelming.
Pressure Cooker of the US Open
With millions watching worldwide, the US Open is not just a test of skill—it’s a test of nerves. Athletes need more than physical readiness; they need mental balance.
How Biles’ Presence Shifted Gauff’s Mindset
When Biles showed up to support Gauff, it wasn’t just about cheering. It was about sending a message: you’re not alone in this. That reassurance gave Gauff a sense of calm that helped her focus on her game.
