America’s young tennis star Coco Gauff has rejected claims that she was distracted by the grunt of the world number two Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open semifinal defeat.
The 19-year-old is often regarded as one of the most highly-rated players currently playing in the women’s singles category. Her journey in the first Grand Slam of the year came to an end after losing in the semifinal to Sabalenka in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-4.
Gauff, while talking to the media after the match, stated that she was not distracted by the grunt of the current world number two in the contest.
“It didn’t bother me. I don’t get how it can bother someone,” she said. “But yeah, it doesn’t bother me because it’s consistent. If she [Aryna Sabalenka] did it extended on certain balls, then I would be like, ‘Okay, it’s ridiculous.’ No, I think that’s just her. It’s fine. There have been other grunters in the past. It doesn’t bother me.
“I mean, I played her a lot, so I can’t sit here and say that the grunt is distracting. I don’t even know, it’s like the fifth time we have played. No, I don’t think so. I don’t notice, you know, when — I feel like at least with her it’s consistent, so it doesn’t bother me.”