“It’s so opposite from basketball” - UConn’s Paige Bueckers shares experience of watching Frances Tiafoe at the US Open

UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers has been keeping busy during the offseason. She attended various sporting events throughout the summer. One of them was in September when she was spotted at the U.S. Open in New York. Bueckers was in the stands for the Round of 16 match between local boy Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin on September 2.

In an interview with Got Next with Meghan and Zora, aired on November 12, Bueckers opened up about her experiences over the summer. She also spoke about her role as an emerging leader for the UConn women's basketball team.

When asked about her favorite summer activity, Bueckers reflected on her experience at the U.S. Open.

The host asked,

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“What was your favorite thing you did and why was it hanging out at the US Open with Francis Tiafoe?”

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Bueckers answered,

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“I would say probably my favorite—I have so many favorites, it’s crazy—but yeah, the U.S. Open was an amazing experience. I’d never really watched tennis before… I watched Francis in D.C. at like the D.C. Open, and then I got to go to the U.S. Open" [3:53].

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Reflecting further on her time at the U.S. Open, Bueckers said the environment was the opposite of her own sport, and made the competition "louder as much as it is quiet." She said,

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"Just the environment, the level of competition... it’s so opposite from basketball. It’s like, when they’re playing, you have to be extremely quiet, just like, totally opposite.”

In addition to her experiences at the U.S. Open, Bueckers also showed her support for another young US tennis star.

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Paige Bueckers celebrates Coco Gauff’s victory at the WTA finals

The tennis sensation Coco Gauff recently made history by winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Gauff triumphed over China’s Zheng Qinwen to claim her first-ever year-end singles title. The victory made her the youngest WTA Finals champion since 2004 and the first American to win the title since Serena Williams in 2014.

Gauff’s remarkable victory at the WTA Finals included impressive wins against top-ranked players like defending champion Iga Swiatek.

After her victory, Gauff posted on Instagram,

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“Tyler tried to tell ya’ll. In all seriousness, I’m so grateful for all the support the last few weeks. Getting to win the last tournament of the season and it also being my second biggest title of my career so far is insane,"

Bueckers was quick to celebrate Gauff’s achievement on social media. She posted an Instagram story sharing Gauff's post. To show her admiration, Bueckers added three star-struck emojis to the post.

Bueckers continues to be a standout figure in women’s college basketball, leading the UConn Huskies to national recognition. Throughout her time with the team, she has helped guide them to a national final appearance in 2022 and a Final Four appearance in her senior season.

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