How Simone Biles Helped Coco Gauff Stay Focused During Her US Open Victory
Zoe Bennett, a journalistic expert providing a well-researched, analytical take with key insights and data, dives into the powerful mental and emotional dynamics behind Coco Gauff’s second-round win at the 2025 US Open — and how Simone Biles played a pivotal role in her success.
Elite athletes often speak about the importance of mindset, but few moments in sports history have highlighted the intersection of mental resilience and physical performance as vividly as Coco Gauff’s recent victory over Donna Vekic at the 2025 US Open. The 21-year-old tennis sensation revealed that Simone Biles, the Olympic gymnastics legend, was in attendance — and her presence had a profound psychological impact on Gauff during a high-pressure match.
Speaking immediately after her win on August 28, Gauff shared a deeply personal insight into how Biles’ journey through mental health struggles and athletic excellence helped her stay composed. “She helped me pull it out,” Gauff said during her on-court interview. “I thought, ‘If she can go on a six-inch beam with all the pressures in the world, then I can hit the ball into this court.’”
That moment of reflection was more than just a motivational pep talk — it was a strategic mental reset. Gauff, known for her fierce competitiveness and self-critical nature, admitted that she often struggles with self-doubt during pivotal moments in matches. But Biles’ presence served as a tangible reminder that elite athletes across disciplines face similar psychological battles — and that overcoming them is possible.
Biles, 28, was visibly moved by Gauff’s words. Cameras caught her smiling and shouting, “I love you!” from the stands, to which Gauff responded by forming a heart shape with her hands. Later, the two met in person, where Biles presented Gauff with roses and praised her performance. “Gymnastics is so different, so I just wanted to scream, ‘Go Coco!’ But then they were like, ‘Maybe not right now,’” Biles joked, before adding, “No, congrats! I love watching you, everything you do.”
Gauff went on to name Biles and Serena Williams as her personal Mount Rushmore of athletes — a nod to the immense influence both have had on her career. “She’s one of the greatest athletes,” Gauff told reporters. “Her and Serena are on my Mount Rushmore of athletes. To see her there tonight gave me the reminder I needed.”
This moment of cross-sport camaraderie is more than just feel-good fan service. It reflects a broader shift in how athletes are approaching mental health and performance. Biles’ openness about her own struggles — particularly during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — has helped reshape the narrative around mental wellness in sports. Gauff, who has been vocal about the pressures of being a young athlete in the spotlight, clearly drew strength from Biles’ example.
Off the court, Gauff also credits her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, for helping her maintain a positive mindset. “He’s always telling me to trust the process,” Gauff told E! News on August 24. “Just know that I’ve already accomplished a lot and there’s no need to be so negative.” This support system — from her partner, her parents, and now her idols — seems to be playing a crucial role in her continued success.
As the 2025 US Open progresses, all eyes will be on whether Gauff can carry this momentum forward. But one thing is already clear: the power of mental resilience, inspired by icons like Simone Biles, is shaping the next generation of champions.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News
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