Culture | The sports page

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 of the United States in action at the baseline of the court, in the first round on Day 1 of the US Open.
Photograph: Getty Images

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

Magnus Carlsen of Norway in action at the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge tournament at Weissenhaus, Wangels, Germany, February 12th 2024

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

A model poses for photographers amongst wildflowers in bloom at Lake Elsinore, California, United States, March 18th 2019

Are internet firms the problem, or are you the problem?

A veteran critic of technology offers his take on a familiar target


An illustration of the Michelin man reclining on a couch, picking a grape from bowl whilst reading a yelp review on a smartphone. Loose pages are scattered near his feet. A shooting star is visible through the window.

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