TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Coco Gauff made mesmerized by Justin Bieber in a crowd during his time in the United States. The 19-year-old American said the singer’s presence inspired her win after coming from behind against Belgian Elise Mertens in the third round. US Open 2023Saturday, September 2, 2023.
Gauff lost the opening set at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York but fought back to seal a 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory and reach the fourth round in the presence of Bieber and wife Hailey.
“I saw exactly who was there,” Gauff said on ESPN’s post-game broadcast. “I thought, ‘I can’t lose in front of Justin Bieber’. I didn’t lose after seeing him.”
“I felt a little tense the first time I saw him, then I remembered President (Barack) Obama and Michelle Obama were in my first round match.”
Sixth seed Gauff, who is chasing her first Grand Slam title, said she was honored to have a celebrity stand in the stands during her matches this year. As well as Obama and Bieber, Miami Heat player and six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler and actress Katie Holmes also attended the game.
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“Crazy. I’ve been coming to the US Open for years. Being a fan, just looking in the crowd to see who’s coming, looking inside the president’s bench, in the suite, to see who’s there, now a player, it’s crazy ,” said Gauff.
“I am absolutely blown away by Justin. Never Say Never, I think one of my favorite songs when I was little. Then Baby, Oh, Baby. I can listen to all the songs.”
“Then Hailey will come too. I guess it’s a little date night for them, and that’s really cool.”
Gauff, who will next face former world number 1 Caroline Wozniacki, said there were other celebrities leaving her star.
“Definitely Beyoncé,” said Gauff. “If he comes, my goodness, I hope they don’t put him on the screen. Maybe at the end (of the game).”
REUTERS
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