Coco Gauff Triumphs Over Alexandrova and Takes on a New Off-Court Challenge
Coco Gauff continues to prove her dominance on the WTA Tour, securing a solid victory over Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the Berlin Open. The young American showcased her growing confidence on grass courts, winning the match 7-6(6), 6-2 to book her place in the quarterfinals.
But while her performance on the court was commanding, it was her post-match interview that drew plenty of attention. Gauff, in a moment of lighthearted honesty, admitted that she had completely forgotten Alexandrova had defeated her in the same tournament just a year ago.
“Did the match you played against her here last year, in the same place, stick in your mind or go away?” the interviewer asked.
Gauff’s response? “Did I play her here last year? I don’t remember!” she laughed, drawing chuckles from the crowd. “I didn’t remember, so obviously I didn’t think about it. I’m a different player than last year. She’s a fantastic player to play with, especially on grass… she usually wins a couple of titles on grass, so I knew today was going to be tough.”
Her words reflected not only her humility but also a strong mindset. At just 20 years old, Gauff has rapidly matured, learning how to stay present and focus on her game rather than dwelling on past defeats. This ability to reset mentally is a key trait of champions, and it has been a crucial part of her success in recent years.
Gauff’s Growth and Grass-Court Form
Gauff’s victory against Alexandrova marks a significant improvement from her performance in Berlin last year. In 2023, she started her campaign with a straight-sets win over Katerina Siniakova before suffering a shocking 6-4, 6-0 loss to Alexandrova in the round of 16.
However, this year, she returned stronger, more composed, and fully prepared to handle the challenges of grass-court tennis. Gauff’s ability to adjust her game to different surfaces has been evident in her rise up the rankings. While hard courts remain her strongest surface, she has been making strides on both clay and grass, showing that she is developing into a well-rounded player capable of contending for titles across all surfaces.
With her win over Alexandrova, Gauff now moves into the quarterfinals, where she will face Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur. Jabeur, known for her crafty shot-making and unique playing style, will be another tough test for the American. Their upcoming clash promises to be a fascinating battle, as both players have the ability to produce spectacular rallies and thrilling points.
The Book Challenge: Gauff’s Competitive Spirit Off the Court
While Gauff’s competitive fire is evident on the tennis court, it turns out that she carries that same energy into her off-court activities as well. The young American recently revealed that she has taken on an unusual challenge: a reading competition against her boyfriend.
The challenge? Reading 24 books in 12 months.
“When he said he would read 24, I got super competitive and doubled my goal to match his, and I like trying to finish faster than him,” Gauff shared. “I’m two books ahead, so I’m winning right now.”
For Gauff, this challenge has a personal significance beyond just the competition. As a child, she was an avid reader but gradually lost that passion as she got older due to her busy tennis schedule. Now, she’s rediscovering her love for books and using the challenge as motivation.
“My goal at first was to read 12 books, one a month. Then my boyfriend has this thing where he reads the number of books that match the year we’re in—so 24 in 2024, 23 in 2023!” she explained.
This revelation shows another side of Gauff—one that is intellectual, self-motivated, and always seeking personal growth. It’s also a reminder that top athletes need mental escapes from the pressures of professional sports. For Gauff, reading provides a way to unwind, expand her knowledge, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment beyond the world of tennis.
What’s Next for Gauff?
As Gauff advances in Berlin, she will be looking to continue her strong form and build momentum ahead of Wimbledon. The Berlin Open serves as a crucial preparation event for the grass-court Grand Slam, and a deep run here could boost her confidence heading into SW19.
Her next opponent, Ons Jabeur, presents a unique challenge. Jabeur’s ability to mix up her shots, use slices, and play with finesse makes her a tricky opponent on grass. However, Gauff has improved her movement and net play, which could help her counter Jabeur’s unpredictable style.
Beyond Berlin, Gauff remains one of the favorites for Wimbledon. Her powerful groundstrokes, strong serve, and increasing confidence on grass make her a real contender for the title. And with her mental approach evolving—both on and off the court—she seems to be in a great place as she continues her journey toward becoming a dominant force in women’s tennis.
For now, though, Gauff is fully focused on her next challenge in Berlin—both on the court against Jabeur and off the court in her book battle. And if history is any indication, she’s not someone who likes to lose, no matter what the competition is.
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