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Simone Biles Opens Up About ‘A Sad’ Reality Amidst Celebrations for Her Sister’s Special Day

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Simone Biles unfurls her celebration color, barring the engagements she holds in her professional life. January 27 was one such occasion when she unshackled herself. In the past, the gymnastics phenomenon often showed up at NFL matches to support her husband, Jonathan Owens, the Green Bay Packers’ safety. But all this while, the 26-year-old rarely let slip the insights regarding the changes in her life in the Olympic year. So after sister Adria’s birthday celebration, Simone Biles shared a snippet, describing the change.

Somehow those changes would give out a feeling as normal in a highest level-athlete’s life. But, for Simone Biles, to soak into those changes might claim praise.

Simone Biles shows the ‘other side’
Usually, Simone Biles’ Instagram feed gives out the nooks and crannies of her glittery life, in multiple shades. But on January 28, the 7X Olympic medalist shared a story framing the comparison between the Sundays of her life. Using graphics from Amanda Roe Heiser, the midsize-style icon, Simone gave a staunch expression. She described the “SUNDAY FUNDAY THEN” in the celebration hues, measuring in dresses and drinks. But she conveyed “SUNDAY FUNDAY NOW” through the flip-flop sandals, protein drink, washer, and domestic bag. This shift comes as “A sad story” as Simone captioned the post. But in the garb, it gave out the hard changes she is going through nowadays.

On several occasions, Simone Biles gave an insight into her life where she vociferously spoke about how the geographical distance between her and Jonathan Owens had depleted the situation for her. In his absence, the home front is completely on Simone.

One can not forget how Simone Biles took to social media to share the tantrums thrown by her fur babies when Jonathan was away and she had to manage all by herself. A fair share of her attention is also diverted to her new home, which is under construction. If these were not enough, amid all these, she has to keep her eyes set on Paris. Despite that, she has tried to bring back those fun moments.

In the recent past, she hung out with her girls’ gang, like the JC Penney’s photo shoot in November. That occasion witnessed Simone Biles being joined by Adria and the gang to share the moment. But these moments seem to have become too little for the gymnast in her present state. However, if there is sadness from the lack of fun, on the other side, there are moments of gains for the gymnast as well.

A new beginning is on the cards
One exciting new addition to the life of Simone Biles is going to be her upcoming house. The new house had come with a positive tone for her. So the visibly cheered gymnast often keeps sharing multiple snaps of the mansion since its construction days. Jonathan couldn’t make a steady appearance in all of those moments. But he remains another happy moment amid Biles’ ‘sad story’.

Whenever Jonathan had his off time away from the NFL engagement, the loving husband shared the screen and warmth with Simone Biles. As of now, this has been Simone’s story, finding moments among the gloomy days. But on the Paris Olympics berth, the gymnast knows about how to settle with a positive mentality. Hope, the future days will be on that quest.

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BOXING

“What’s Boxing Without Controversy “: Amanda Serrano Joins Claressa Shields in Surprise After Christina Cruz’s Controversial Loss

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In the world of boxing, controversy is as common as the sound of the bell. Yet, the recent IBF flyweight title bout took an unexpected twist. Gabriela Fundora’s victory over Christina Cruz on 27th January ended unusually, sparking debates far and wide. Was it just another fight, or something more? Top boxing figures like Amanda Serrano and Claressa Shields have voiced their shock.

Their tweets reveal a deep divide in opinions. Claressa Shields, didn’t hold back. Serrano, too, weighed in with her perspective. What really happened in that Phoenix ring?

Claressa Shields stands strong on her perspective!
The pivotal moment came in the tenth round of the fight, where Gabriela Fundora was declared the winner over Christina Cruz when Cruz turned her back to Gabriela. This outcome immediately sparked reactions from prominent figures in the boxing world.

Claressa Shields took to Twitter expressing her disbelief. “Just watched @christinaboxing fight! The ref never heard of an 8 count!? Why he just stop the fight like that! Bad stoppage 😒,” she tweeted. This comment stirred a response from a fan, emphasizing a key rule in professional boxing: “No 8-count in pro boxing Claressa.”

Shields, undeterred, continued, “Her turning her back wouldn’t be considered a Knock down.“

Amidst this exchange, Amanda Serrano added her voice. She tweeted, “It’s a misfortune thing but with the way they had them scorecards set that title was staying with the champ. They didn’t give poor Tina a fair share. One judge had it 90-81. I thought it was even or Tina ahead. What’s boxing without controversy nowadays? Sad but it’s the sport we love & do.”

These tweets, laden with emotion and expertise, underscore the complexity and often subjective nature of boxing’s rule enforcement and scoring.

What did Cristina Cruz have to say about her loss?

She tripped, Christina says
Christina Cruz has expressed feelings of betrayal and misunderstanding. Cruz detailed the sequence of events that led to the unexpected turn in her post on social media, stating, “The momentum of me missing with the hook, tripping on her front foot and getting hit in the back of my head caused me to turn my back. I didn’t intentionally turn and was not hurt.”

She highlighted a crucial moment, saying, “The 2nd my body turned, ref should’ve stepped in before she punched my back.” Cruz felt cornered in the situation, noting, “The ref wasn’t helping so my initial reaction was to cover up and protect myself in hopes the ref would give a warning.” Her account adds a vital layer to the unfolding narrative of the bout’s controversial conclusion.

How can the sport of boxing evolve to ensure fairness and clarity in its rulings, while maintaining the raw excitement and unpredictability that define it?

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BOXING

Daniel Dubois ordered to fight for the title Anthony Joshua ‘rejected’

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Daniel Dubois has the opportunity to win one of the few titles Anthony Joshua has never held.

Daniel Dubois has been ordered by the EBU to face Ryad Merhy for the vacant European heavyweight title – a belt Anthony Joshua rejected the opportunity to fight for earlier in his career. Dubois was unable to win the European strap when he fought for it against Joe Joyce back in November 2020 but he has now been given a second bite at the cherry.

Dubois has been ordered to box for the EBU belt
Daniel Dubois has been ordered to box for the EBU belt

The Brit is coming off arguably the best win of his career over Jarrell Miller on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ bill in Saudi Arabia and is looking to get his name back into the world title picture again following an unsuccessful shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s WBA (Super), IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.

Merhy is also flying high after a big win over Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in his last outing. The Belgian boxer, who is 32-2 in the paid ranks, beat Yoka via a split decision two months ago in France as he bounced back from a loss to Kevin Lerena.

Lerena was, of course, knocked out by Dubois in 2022 when Triple D picked himself up off the canvas three times in the opening round to stop the South African puncher in the third stanza.

Dubois has been called to face Ryad Merhy
Dubois has been called to face Ryad Merhy

A win over Merhy wouldn’t do much to improve his standings with the four major boxing sanctioning bodies but the allure of a European title may be enough to tempt Dubois into taking up the challenge. The European title remains one of the few belts that Joshua hasn’t got his hands on during his glistening professional career.

He was given the opportunity to fight for the strap against Derek Chisora in 2016 but rejected the order so that he could land himself a shot at Charles Martin’s IBF belt instead. “Unfortunately Joshua did not accept to dispute the EBU title.” confirmed EBU General Secretary Enza Jacoponi at the time. “So the vacant title will be disputed between Derek Chisora and Kubrat Pulev.”

Joshua rejected the EBU belt for a shot at the IBF
Anthony Joshua rejected the opportunity to box for the EBU belt for a shot at the IBF title in 2016

AJ went on to win the world title from Martin in one of the most dominant showings of his career, stopping the American in the second round in front of a packed-out O2 Arena.

Meanwhile, Chisora was beaten over the distance by Pulev in Germany although Del Boy would exact his revenge six years later when he defeated his old foe on home soil. Chisora is now represented by Joshua’s 258 Management and is good friends with the Watford powerhouse.

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TENNIS

Novak Djokovic ‘refused to go to doctor’ as long-term illness derailed Aus Open campaign

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Novak Djokovic suffered an uncharacteristic defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-final of the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-final of the Australian Open last week – his first loss in Melbourne since 2018. The world No. 1 looked a shadow of his usual self as he went out 6-1 6-2 6-7(6) 6-3 and failed to have a single break point opportunity throughout the match. And it has now emerged that Djokovic was unwell with a fever the night before the match, also “refusing” to go to the doctor.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic was reportedly suffering with a fever the night before his semi-final loss

Djokovic’s dominant run in Melbourne came to an end as Sinner snapped his six-year, 33-match win streak at the Australian Open. Previously, the 36-year-old had always gone on to win the title when he reached the semis. But the world No. 4 sent him packing and went on to lift the trophy himself.

It was an uncharacteristic performance from Djokovic – especially in the first two sets, where he won just three total games. For the first time in a Grand Slam match, he had zero break point chances throughout the three-hour and 22-minute contest. Djokovic later branded it “one of the worst Grand Slam matches” he’d ever played.

But it appears that there was more to Djokovic’s defeat than just a bad day at the office, as Serbian reporter Luka Nikolic revealed that the 24-time Grand Slam champion had been struggling with the flu. “He got a fever the night before the semi-finals,” Nikolic said on the Reketiranje podcast.

2024 Australian Open - Day 13
Jannik Sinner ended Novak Djokovic’s six-year, 33-match winning streak at the Australian Open

“Something similar to what [Alexander] Zverev had. He was sick for three weeks, but some virus caught him again.” The Serbian journalist also explained that Djokovic “refused” a visit to the doctor so the media wouldn’t find out about his illness.

He added: “Some colds get worse… It can’t play well with temperature. He didn’t want to go to the doctor so that the journalists wouldn’t break it and make a fuss about it. That’s why he played so badly in the first two sets, it was obvious that he was weak and that he couldn’t do it.”

In the early rounds of the tournament, Djokovic was seen blowing his nose on the court and confirmed that he had been suffering from sickness in the lead-up to the Australian Open. Speaking after his tight first-round win over Dino Pizmic, the 36-year-old said: “Yeah, I am a bit under the weather last, yeah, four, five days.

TENNIS-AUS-OPEN
Novak Djokovic was struggling with an illness at the start of the tournament

“You can probably judge by my voice. Look, it is what it is. You just have to try to deal with it and get over it and accept the circumstances and try to make the most of it.” And he doubled down after being pushed to four sets against Alexei Popyrin in the second round.

“Look, I haven’t been playing or feeling at my best the last, whatever, week or so. Yeah, it’s frustrating at times with kind of the level of tennis that I’m playing on the court and some uncharacteristic mistakes that I make. At the same time, that’s sport,” Djokovic confessed.

But Djokovic didn’t bring up the illness after losing to Sinner. “I want to congratulate Sinner for playing a great match, great tournament so far. He’s deservedly in the finals. He outplayed me completely today,” he said after the worrying defeat, admitting that he was “shocked with my level in a bad way” and hadn’t “really played close to my best” throughout the tournament.

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CELEB NEWS

“Sinner reminds me of Federer” – champion skier Lindsey Vonn

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The celebrated skier spoke about two tennis stars she knows well

Champion skier Lindsey Vonn says new Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner reminds her of Roger Federer.

Vonn knows Sinner because of his background in competitive skiing – and the Italian shared on social media some images of them skiing together back in 2022.

“I always thought it was really special that he was a former ski racer and that’s obviously where we connected,” Vonn told the ATP’s official website. “He’s a pretty shy guy, but he’s really humble and always super kind. I think he has just a great perspective on the sport and I think to a degree, some of that comes from skiing. We’ve talked about it quite a few times.

“He’s just a great athlete, very smart and I’m not surprised that he won Australia. I thought he would win before he did, but he’s someone that’s going to be around for a long time. And he really reminds me of Roger, to be honest.”

Vonn is a big tennis fan and has spoken before about being a fan of Pete Sampras, and then Federer. In 2017 she said of the Swiss: “Roger’s style and just the way he plays is just so graceful, he makes it so fun to watch,” adding: “For me as an athlete, it’s inspiring to watch. And meeting him after watching him for so many years, and seeing how humble he is and how much of a philanthropist he is, those are the kinds of things that I want to carry out in my life and in my career as well.”

VONN: SKIING TAUGHT SINNER TO BE FEARLESS
Sinner opted for tennis instead of skiing as a career, and Vonn talked about how the two sports compare when it comes to pressure and nerves.

“If he’s under pressure, and he’s got to serve, he’s got match point or something, the perspective is that if he misses the point, nothing is going to happen.

“It’s not like in skiing, where if you don’t take the turn right, you crash, and you could potentially hurt yourself very badly.

“So it’s the kind of fearlessness that he puts everything out there no matter what the situation. And that perspective, I think, is really different from most people, most athletes, and I think he uses that to his advantage.”

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TENNIS

‘It’s No Secret’ – Rafael Nadal’s Constant State of Pre-Match Anxiety Unveiled in an Honest Admission

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Tennis fans had to face a huge disappointment when Rafael Nadal announced that he would be skipping the Australian Open because of an injury. As the fans were craving to hear from their favorite tennis legend, he recently showed up to talk about the status of his preparation. While the tennis star is out of the tennis scene, he is currently gearing up to hit a different ground.

The electric boat championship E1 has been gaining immense popularity since Rafael Nadal joined in as an owner of Team Rafa. While the team members eagerly waited for guidance, the tennis legend whispered the secret behind his state before every match.

Rafael Nadal exposes his E1 team to obvious tension before every match
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, now the proud owner of an E1 racing team, has been in discussions since a video started to air on social media. The video, presenting Rafa having a conversation with his team, also brings a revelation about his pre-race feelings. Quite opposite to what everyone must have thought, Nadal confessed that it is hard to stay calm before a match.

He mentioned, “It’s no secret. Nobody’s calm! I never been calm in any match of my life.” Along with admitting to the normalcy of losing calm during a competition, the Spaniard also highlighted the bright side of it. “At the end, when you have that nerve, that adrenaline, I think that helps to play better. And in this case, to race, better,” he said.

As the video became successful in giving fans a glimpse of what Rafael Nadal is cooking right now, it is sure that more and more attention will be driven to the electric boat event with the Spaniard being a part of it.

Nadal gives massive fitness update ahead of second comeback in 2024 - Watch | Tennis News - Hindustan Times

While everyone was satisfied by Rafael Nadal’s response to feeling tensed before a match, they seemed to be enjoying the Q&A. Being collectively curious about the bright colors that the Spaniard is usually seen in, a team member inquired about the reason behind it.

“In my outfits, on a tennis court, I like to play with bright colors. Colors with energy, I can’t wait to see the boat in real,” said Rafa, expressing his eagerness to see the boat in bright orange. As the tennis star is set to make an entry into the world of E1 racing, fans are excited to see how his team performs there.

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TENNIS

On This Day 20 Years Ago: Roger Federer achieved this milestone for the first time

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It came after a 12-month period that saw him win 80 matches and eight titles, including his first two majors.

He had already clinched it a few days earlier, but on February 2nd, 2004, exactly 20 years ago to this day, Roger Federer ascended to No. 1 on the ATP rankings for the first time.

Roger Federer Came Along When Tennis Desperately Needed Him - The New York Times

The 12-month period that led him to No. 1 was incredible—he won 80 matches and eight titles, including his first two majors at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, as well as the ATP Finals.

It was Federer’s semifinal victory at the 2004 Australian Open, over Juan Carlos Ferrero, that would clinch his rise to the top spot the Monday after the tournament—but he went on to win the title anyway, too, defeating Marat Safin in straight sets in the final.

Federer clinched his rise to No. 1 with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 semifinal victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero at the 2004 Australian Open, before defeating Marat Safin in the final, 7-6 (3), 6-4, 6-2.

He was asked after his semifinal win if he was relieved to finally reach No. 1, after having come close in the latter half of 2003.

“Relief for me was Wimbledon,” he said. “No. 1, it’s something I’ve been close to the last few months. I could never take my chance. I tried everything at the Masters but, you know, wasn’t good enough. But I put myself in a good spot for the Australian Open.

“I’m happy to have had a great start now to the season, and to finally be No. 1. And it does make me feel really strange.”

Roger Federer: How the tennis star's two loves collided at the Sydney 2000 Olympics

And after a 2003 season that saw the ATP No. 1 ranking change hands five times between four different players, Federer was also asked if he thought it would shift around in 2004, too.

“I hope not. I don’t hope it’s going to change so quickly,” he said. “Just getting used to the situation. We’ll see how I handle it.”

Not only did Federer end up staying at No. 1 the entire rest of the year in 2004, but he stayed there the entire year in 2005… and 2006… and 2007… and for more than half of 2008, before Rafael Nadal finally took over on August 18th, 2008.

Federer’s 237 straight weeks at No. 1 between February 2nd, 2004 and August 17th, 2008 is the longest consecutive streak of weeks at No. 1 in either ATP or WTA rankings history.

Federer’s 237-week reign at No. 1 is still the longest consecutive streak at No. 1 in either ATP or WTA rankings history.

LONGEST CONSECUTIVE REIGNS AT NO. 1 (ATP or WTA rankings history, since 1973 and 1975):
237 weeks: Roger Federer [2004-2008]
186 weeks: Steffi Graf [1987-1991]
186 weeks: Serena Williams [2013-2016]
160 weeks: Jimmy Connors [1974-1977]
157 weeks: Ivan Lendl [1985-1988]
156 weeks: Martina Navratilova [1982-1985]
122 weeks: Novak Djokovic [2014-2016]
114 weeks: Ashleigh Barty [2019-2022]
113 weeks: Chris Evert [1976-1978]
102 weeks: Pete Sampras [1996-1998]

In terms of total career weeks at No. 1 in ATP or WTA rankings history, Federer ranks fifth with 310, after Djokovic (410 and counting), Graf (377), Navratilova (332) and Serena (319).

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BOXING

Francis Ngannou is leaving nothing to chance as he shows off ridiculous physique during workout for Anthony Joshua fight

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Francis Ngannou is in tremendous shape as he prepares for only his second professional boxing fight.

Ngannou faces Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, months after impressing the boxing world against Tyson Fury.

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: How former UFC champion is training like Muhammad Ali | DAZN News GB

While the Cameroonian made his name in MMA as a former UFC heavyweight champion, he left many boxing fans stunned when he knocked down Fury.

Ngannou might have ultimately lost but he won a moral victory by taking the Gypsy King the whole way and many believed he deserved to win.

And now he will take on Britain’s other heavyweight boxing superstar in AJ – and this time he is training hard to match him in the ring.

Showing off an incredible physique on social media site Instagram, Ngannou is hard at work getting himself in tip-top shape.

UFC: Francis Ngannou, the African champion who wanted to change the UFC and is leaving on principle | Marca

As well as brandishing absolute cannons for arms, the 37-year-old towers over most men at 6ft 4ins.

Ngannou is renowned as one of the heaviest hitters in combat sports and seven of his last eight UFC wins came via knockout or technical knockout.

Before Joshua and Ngannou touch gloves in March, there is the small matter of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk to unify the heavyweight division.

With that clash also taking part in Saudi Arabia, Joshua is expected to be ringside but he has insisted his sights are firmly on Ngannou.

Francis Ngannou unsure of MMA return, says 'there's a chance' he does only boxing in 2024 - Yahoo Sports

“Let me say this again, I’m not focusing on that,” Joshua told The MMA Hour.

“I’m going to take my mind, I have to draw it back that Ngannou is my undisputed title fight. That’s the mentality I have to have.

“Ngannou is my undisputed fight. Because you’re only as good as your last fight, and I respect him a lot.

“He ain’t easy money. He’s a hard night’s work.

“And you know what’s crazy? So am I. I’m a hard night’s work for anyone. So let’s go, it’s going to be fireworks.”

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BOXING

Mike Tyson responds to claims he’ll fight MMA legend in Saudi Arabia

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Mike Tyson has debunked claims he is set to return to the ring in a big-money bout with Fedor Emelianenko.

The 57-year-old returned from a 15-year hiatus to fight Roy Jones Jr in November 2020 but has since kept out of the spotlight regarding another potential outing.

Fans however were quickly sent into overdrive once again this week, with a potential fight against MMA legend Emelianenko sparking rumors online.

Touted to be taking place in boxing’s new hot spot in Saudi Arabia, the claims were quickly dismissed by Tyson’s team, insisting ‘Iron Mike’ has no desire to fight the former four-time combat sambo world champion.

“This is false,” Tyson’s representatives told Sun Sport journalist Chisanga Malata.

“Mr. Tyson has not spoken to anyone in his camp.

“He is not interested in doing a fight with him now or in the future.”

His fight some four years ago with Jones Jr is still considered one of boxing’s all-time biggest pay-per-view events, with Tyson constantly talked of despite his age.

Approaching 60, the former world heavyweight champion has not shied away from one more outing but insists everything would once again have to be aligned correctly.

Mike Tyson. (Credit: Getty)

“I could be persuaded,” Tyson said of a potential comeback while speaking to TMZ News, before insisting that he ‘can’t express himself financially’.

“I don’t know. When I see the money people for the end of the product, my mind works clearer. I can’t express myself right now financially.”

Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis are just two of the names often brought into the picture, with Jake Paul and John Fury also loosely linked in the past with facing off against one of the all-time greats.

The American has also been offered the chance to help Francis Ngannou prepare for his bout with Anthony Joshua, as the two prepare to go toe-to-toe in March.

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TENNIS

‘I Was Completely Blown Away’ – Coco Gauff’s Resilience in Holding Spirits Amid Testing Times Earns Andy Roddick’s Seal of Approval

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The fans experienced a wave of emotions as the dreams of seeing Coco Gauff lift her second grand slam title met a disappointing end. The young tennis star lost her semi-final match against the champion Aryna Sabalenka, postponing her aspiration to add another major title to the bucket.

Despite the not-so-happy ending, words of praise still surround Gauff as she manages to save herself from the disappointment and holds her ground to look forward. Noticing her current mindset, former American tennis star Andy Roddick came forward with a word of appreciation.

‘Coco will be a dominant server’ – Andy Roddick talks his heart out about Gauff
The fans knew right from the beginning that Coco Gauff had a firm eye to lift the Australian Open trophy. While fans have been on her side since the US Open win last year, they were quite concerned about her mental state when the events in Melbourne took an unexpected turn. However, despite facing a setback in the semi-final match, Gauff surprised fans by presenting a remarkable commitment to her game.

EXCLUSIVE: US Open Champion Coco Gauff Refuses to Slow Down as Coach Narrates Her Big American Dream for 2024

Analyzing these events, former tennis star Andy Roddick expressed admiration for her approach, stating, “Walking it out a month later in the biggest situation and not going back when it isn’t working perfectly.” Roddick praised Gauff’s dedication to sticking to what she learned, despite standing against a set of challenging moments.

Along with that, Roddick also projected a great future because of Gauff’s skillset as he got to spend time with her. “I think Coco will be a dominant server. Her control over her orbit and what’s going on blew me away right for someone who hasn’t quite turned 20. I was absolutely blown away,” he added, presenting a surprised expression over Gauff’s high spirit.

Doesn't Play to the Extent of Her Talent'- 19-Year-Old Coco Gauff Issued Warning as Underwhelming Season Throws Huge Expectations for a Toss - EssentiallySports

Besides appreciating Coco Gauff for her mental strength, Andy Roddick also talked about the level of fanship he has developed for the young star. He said, “I was miserable When she lost in Australia. I did never in my life thought I’d be waking up at 3:30 watching.”

Along with revealing his sudden punctuality to catch the match streams, Roddick also presented strong support for her. “I will show up for her any time she asks I am so impressed with her and I had a blast,” Roddick said. As the tennis legend shed light on Gauff’s resilience, the fans now see it clearer and better.

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