After receiving guidance from Andy Roddick, Coco Gauff entered the Australian Open with improved confidence in her serve and secured a 6-3, 6-0 win against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova on Monday, starting her journey towards consecutive grand slam singles titles.
The 19-year-old from the US, who emerged victorious at the US Open in September for her first major title, secured the win in precisely one hour.
“I was initially feeling anxious during the first set,” stated fourth-seeded Gauff. “But I managed to return well and eventually found my rhythm with my serve towards the end of the set. When I was feeling nervous at 3-3, I reminded myself to stay positive and enjoy the moment. This helped me to relax a bit.”
In the second set, Gauff only lost one point while serving and mentioned receiving serving advice from Roddick, who is also a US Open winner.
She commented, “It was amazing.” She described him as a laid-back person. While I had met him before, this was a whole new level. I traveled to North Carolina to visit him for two days, which were very enjoyable. I believe my serving skills have gotten better after spending time with him. He is likely one of the greatest servers in history.
Ben Shelton, another American contender, is currently focused on his upcoming match at the Australian Open and is not preoccupied with any potential comments or actions made by Novak Djokovic following their semifinal match at the US Open in September.
Djokovic is seeking his 11th Australian Open championship and may potentially face the pair once more in the fourth stage at Melbourne Park.
Shelton, seeded 16th, advanced to the quarter-finals in his debut at the Australian Open last year. On Monday, he defeated Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut with scores of 6-2, 7-6, 7-5. In the second round, he will face off against Australian player Chris O’Connell.
According to the French sports newspaper L’Equipe, comments were made by Djokovic this week in which the 24-time major winner allegedly taunted Shelton during an event in New York. This was reportedly in response to unsportsmanlike behavior and a lack of respect.
Following his victory in the semi-final, Djokovic imitated the American’s celebratory gesture of “hanging up the phone”. He then gestured to his temple and emphatically pounded his fist on his chest. Djokovic later stated that he was simply replicating the celebration.
Shelton became popular during the tournament due to his exuberant post-victory rituals, where he mimics slamming down an old-fashioned telephone handset with his hand.
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During a press conference following Shelton’s initial victory on Monday, a reporter read aloud the remarks recorded by L’Equipe.
“I have constantly been asked about it in the past four to five months,” stated Shelton. “I prefer to let it settle and move on. We are currently in Australia for the Australian Open, not the US Open. My focus is on the Australian Open and I am grateful and content to be here.”
When asked about intentionally provoking a competitor, Shelton stated that he simply wants to have fun while playing tennis.
He stated that anyone is entitled to their own viewpoint on my identity or behavior. However, I am unable to provide a response to your inquiry.
Regarding the timing of Djokovic’s remarks, Shelton explained that he has previously addressed this topic due to the nature of media interviews. He also clarified that he has no intention of openly discussing it or bringing it up.
On Monday, several American players, including Sebastian Korda, Chris Eubanks, and Aleksandar Kovacevic, won their matches in the men’s singles tournament. However, it was a more challenging day for US women. While wildcard McCartney Kessler advanced to the second round with Coco Gauff, Kayla Day, Taylor Townsend, Bernarda Pera, Claire Liu, and Katie Volynets all suffered defeats.
Source: theguardian.com
