OMNIUM BANQUE NATIONALE

August 2, 2025

Coco Gauff

Press Conference

V. MBOKO/C. Gauff

6-1, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Coco, obviously not the result you were looking for tonight, but can you talk a little bit about your opponent's performance and your thoughts on the match?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, she played a really great match. Yeah, that's basically it. She was playing well. I threw in a couple of unforced errors, but I knew it would be a tough match today. Unfortunately, it didn't go my way.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. How complicated is it to face an opponent that has that kind of momentum in a tournament?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I mean, it is tough. I knew she would come in with a lot of confidence, and she's won her first couple of rounds easily.

Honestly, I haven't played the best this tournament, so I knew that it would be tough. I don't know, I just felt like I could do better today, but I also knew that if I took my foot off the gas a little bit, that she would take advantage of those moments, and she did.

Q. Did you notice anything different in her play compared to the first match against her in Rome?

COCO GAUFF: Honestly, I don't think she played much different. I think it's two different surfaces, and I felt like my level was a little bit higher in Rome, so I think the matchup was better.

But still, I knew in Rome when I played her, it would be a tough match, and it was. I knew today it would be hard, and she's playing, like, high-level tennis. Yeah, I think that's what showed today. I think she was the better player today.

Q. Why do you think it was so difficult to find a rhythm in this tournament?

COCO GAUFF: I don't know. That's a good question, honestly. I felt like in practice I was playing well the last few weeks just practicing. I decided to take some time off and not play D.C. to actually focus on that, and maybe that wasn't the right decision. Maybe it was better to get more matches under my belt.

But you know, it's the first tournament on the hard court season, so I'm hoping that in Cincy and in New York I can find that rhythm.

Q. Are you recognizing yourself in her, in Vicky?

COCO GAUFF: No, she's a completely different player, completely different person. I've never been one to compare myself to others, whether it be like people comparing me to Serena or Venus, and I don't think it's fair to put that on her as well.

Yeah, but I do see someone who is going to have a really bright future, for sure.

Q. I guess what is it about her that you think she could have a bright future? What is unique about her?

COCO GAUFF: I mean, she's very athletic. She's a great ball striker, and she seems pretty positive out there on the court, doesn't get really too negative.

I mean, I don't know her too well, but I've gotten to talk to her a little bit over the course since Rome. I think she has a great support system around her, and I think that's important when you're young and on tour.

Yeah, hopefully we have many more battles, and I look forward to playing her again in the future.

Q. Did you say anything to her at the net? Did you have any message for her?

COCO GAUFF: I just said, Good playing and good luck in the next round. Yeah, I don't know what else much more to say.

I've spoken to her a little bit behind the scenes, but I don't know, some people expect me to give advice and stuff. The only thing is just to go out there and have fun and not take it too seriously.

But yeah, I think she already has a good head on her shoulders. Yeah, I'm not trying to be a mentor or anything. She's doing great.