Coco Gauff believes sightseeing with Carlos Alcaraz helped them both win China Open 2024: "I was like I don't want to jinx it"
Coco Gauff believes her title win at the 2024 China Open was fueled by good luck from her sightseeing with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the tournament. Coincidentally, Alcaraz won the men's singles title in Beijing, making it a successful outing for both players.
Gauff and Alcaraz explored Beijing's Forbidden City, the historic royal palace that once housed two dozen emperors. Dressed in traditional clothing, they posed for photos outside the palace and hit tennis balls in the courtyard. The Spaniard even took pictures with the American's mother, Candi.
During a press conference after reaching the final, Gauff shared her belief that their visit to the Forbidden City together brought them both "luck" and expressed her desire to follow in Alcaraz's footsteps by reigning supreme.
"We both made the final. We both went to the Forbidden City together. Somebody asked me in the beginning of the week if that would give us luck. So far it's working. Hopefully, I can follow in Carlos' footsteps," she said.
Coco Gauff's dreams have come true as she lifted the China Open trophy after a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Karolina Muchova. During her victory speech, she again brought up her sightseeing adventure with the 21-year-old, saying:
"Carlos and I both went to the Forbidden City earlier this week. Someone in press asked me if it was gonna bring luck. I was like I don’t know I don’t want to jinx it. Then Carlos won. At that time it was only Round of 16 for me. But I guess the Imperial Palace brought us luck."
Coco Gauff to China Open 2024 final opponent Karolina Muchova: "You're amazing, you deserve everything"
Coco Gauff had an impressive run at the 2024 China Open. She began her campaign with a commanding victory over Clara Burel and continued her momentum with wins against Katie Boulter, Naomi Osaka (who retired), Yulia Starodubtseva, and Paula Badosa, setting up a final showdown with Karolina Muchova.
During her victory speech, the American praised Muchova, commending the Czech's impressive comeback after injury, which saw her reach the semifinals at the US Open and the final in Beijing.
"I want to say congratulations to you Karolina. It’s great to see you back on tour. You’re such an amazing player. You deserve everything," Gauff said.
"Hopefully we play many more finals. I don’t wanna say I hope some go your way, but maybe against someone else they’ll go your way," she added.
The former US Open champion continued:
"It’s incredible to see how you’re able to manage your season after so many injuries. Hopefully, you stay healthy this year and for the rest of your career."
Both players are now set to compete in Wuhan, where main-draw play kicks off on Monday, October 7. Gauff is seeded No. 4, while Muchova enters the WTA 1000 tournament unseeded.