Coco Gauff’s fiery determination on the tennis court found an unlikely admirer in NBA star Jimmy Butler during her successful debut at the Miami Open. Gauff secured a solid victory with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Canadian Rebecca Marino, setting a positive tone for her campaign at the WTA 1000 tournament.
Butler, a six-time NBA All-Star and member of the Miami Heat, was an interested spectator on the courtside, sitting so close that Gauff couldn’t help but notice his presence. The 19-year-old American is an avid Miami Heat fan, making Butler’s attendance a genuinely flattering experience for the young tennis sensation.
While Gauff is a rising star in the tennis world, having reached the French Open final and established herself within the WTA top 10 rankings, she found mutual respect in the mentality and spirit of Jimmy Butler. Gauff has a fierce competitive drive, which she affectionately referred to as the “dog” within her, and she hoped that Butler could see the same determination in her game.
After the match, Gauff and Butler met, an encounter that resonated with the young tennis star. She spoke of her admiration for Butler’s competitive mindset and the unwavering determination he brings to the basketball court, qualities she aspires to embody in her own athletic journey.
Gauff also shared her experience of meeting players from the NFL franchise Buffalo Bills, owned by the parents of world number three Jessica Pegula. Gauff was pleased that they stayed to watch her match, even if they might have been there primarily for Pegula.
Expressing her gratitude for the support of fellow athletes, Gauff described it as a “privilege” to be watched by other sports stars. She recognized the challenges of athletes finding time to appreciate and support different sports and expressed her gratitude for those who take the time to do so, especially in a sport like tennis, which may not be well-understood by all.
In the next round, Gauff will face Anastasia Potapova, a Russian player who secured a victory against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in the previous round. Kostyuk’s refusal to shake hands with Potapova after the match drew attention, particularly because Potapova had received a warning from the WTA for wearing a Spartak Moscow jersey at Indian Wells earlier in the month. It’s worth noting that Russian and Belarusian players are competing under a neutral flag on the WTA Tour this season due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.