Coco Gauff, of the United States, leaves the court after she lost her match against Elena Rybakina. (AP Photo)
NEW YORK CITY: The packed stands of the Arthur Ashe Stadium backed Coco Gauff throughout the US Open semi-final, but when the American trailed 1-4 to Elena Rybakina in the second set, the noise became deafening. Nearly 24,000 fans threw themselves behind her, urging her to find a way. I probably had like 99.9% of the crowd behind me and solely for me.
Because i hopefully have a lot more years out here, but I know in hindsight, it’s not that long, it’s an experience and an environment that I will always cherish,.
“In the beginning I felt like it was a very nice atmosphere, only in the end when I was up in the third set crowd really supported a lot Coco,” Rybakina said. “It’s a rare experience I think as an individual to be able to experience that. Most athletes experience that in team sports or team events. The stadium emptied quickly after the final, with many fans not even staying for the on-court interview. “But I tried to focus on myself, tried to not listen. For me, it was also the first match on Ashe at night. I enjoyed the atmosphere even if the crowd mostly was for Coco.”