Coco Gauff risks joining the ranks of tennis’s nearly-greats
Like several of the sport’s best players, her struggles against a particular rival could be career-altering
COCO GAUFF is the reigning US Open tennis champion and third in the world rankings. Yet at the start of this year’s tournament, which started on August 26th, she was rated fourth-favourite to win, a long way behind the top seeds. The main reason is her abysmal record against her biggest rival: Iga Swiatek of Poland. Ms Gauff, an American, has improved in recent years—she is after all still only 20, three years younger than Ms Swiatek—and now plays at almost the same exalted level as the Pole. Yet in 12 matches between the pair, she has won just two sets.
Explore more
More from Culture
Can Magnus Carlsen convince people to watch chess?
The world’s best player hopes that glamming up the ancient game can make stars of its players
Are internet firms the problem, or are you the problem?
A veteran critic of technology offers his take on a familiar target
The Michelin Guide is no longer the only tastemaker in town
How is it adapting to changing eating habits?
Why “Emilia Pérez” is loved by Hollywood and hated by everyone else
And the Oscar for Worst Picture goes to…
Tofu: never judge a food by its political reputation
Think outside the white plastic box. Here is a carnivore’s guide to tofu
Sex, drugs or chastity?
Pope Francis has written the first memoir by a sitting pope. God help us