‘I’m in a Relationship’ – Coco Gauff Takes Cheeky Jab at Partner Before Battling Past Danielle Collins in Error-Strewn Thriller
Coco Gauff has always known how to captivate an audience, whether with her fearless tennis or her charismatic off-court persona. But at the recent hard-fought victory over fellow American Danielle Collins, Gauff managed to blend her personal life and tennis prowess in a way that drew both laughter and admiration from fans.
Before stepping on court for her match against Collins—a contest that turned into an intense, topsy-turvy three-set thriller—Gauff delivered a cheeky one-liner during her pre-match interview. With a playful smile, she quipped, “I’m in a relationship, but I still love my racquet more.” It was a lighthearted jab that sent social media buzzing and showed yet another side of the 20-year-old U.S. Open champion’s quick wit and charm.
But once the pleasantries ended and the match began, Gauff had to dig deep—both mentally and physically—to come out on top against a fired-up Collins, who threw everything she had at the World No. 3 in what was one of the more error-strewn, yet emotionally charged, encounters of the summer hardcourt swing.
A Match of Momentum Swings and Misfires
The clash between Coco Gauff and Danielle Collins was far from a textbook tennis clinic, but it offered edge-of-the-seat entertainment. The final scoreline—6-4, 3-6, 7-5—tells only a portion of the story. Gauff, known for her athleticism and relentless defense, was forced to weather an aggressive barrage from Collins, who dictated play with flat groundstrokes and fearless shotmaking.
Despite racking up a total of 49 unforced errors, Gauff found a way to keep her composure at the key moments—especially in the final set, where both players exchanged breaks like they were party favors.
“I had to remind myself that this wasn’t going to be perfect,” Gauff said in her post-match press conference. “Matches like this test your resolve more than your technique. I’m proud I stayed in it emotionally.”
A Cheeky Comment That Went Viral
What made the match even more talked-about was the pre-game moment when Gauff, asked about her current mindset heading into the next stretch of tournaments, brought up her relationship status in a witty fashion. The full quote was:
“I’m in a relationship now, but let’s be honest, tennis is still my number one. Sorry, babe!”
The crowd roared with laughter, and clips of the moment quickly made the rounds on social media platforms like X and Instagram. It wasn’t just the humor—it was how Gauff balanced honesty, humor, and a little flair without taking herself too seriously. Fans and fellow players alike commented on how refreshing it is to see a top athlete so grounded and relatable.
For a player who’s often been praised for her maturity and poise, the moment offered a glimpse into the more relaxed, humorous side of her personality.
Danielle Collins Pushes Gauff to the Limit
Danielle Collins, who is playing in her final season on the WTA Tour before retirement, showed that she still has the fire and game to push the world’s best. The 30-year-old, a former Australian Open finalist, came out swinging in the second set after dropping the opener. Her fierce baseline hitting and willingness to go for broke paid off, as she leveled the match and forced Gauff into defensive mode.
“I knew Danielle wouldn’t give me anything,” Gauff admitted. “She’s a fighter, and she played like it was her last match—because it might have been one of her last few. I respect that.”
Despite leading 5-3 in the final set, Collins couldn’t close the door. Gauff broke back with a combination of grit and speed, eventually sealing the match with a forehand winner and a primal scream of relief.
Off-Court Joy and On-Court Grit
It’s been a busy year for Gauff, both on and off the court. Since winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2023 U.S. Open, she has maintained a strong presence in the WTA’s top 5 while also engaging fans with her growing confidence and maturity. She’s balanced media duties, philanthropic efforts, and now, apparently, a new romantic relationship—all while navigating the high-pressure world of professional tennis.
When asked about her cheeky remark after the match, Gauff blushed and laughed:
“He knows I’m joking… mostly. But yeah, I’ve been happy off the court too, and I think that helps me stay grounded during matches like this.”
Eyes Set on the Next Challenge
With her win over Collins, Gauff moves deeper into the tournament draw and continues to build momentum ahead of the U.S. Open. While her game still shows signs of inconsistency, especially with a serve that sometimes misfires, her mental toughness has remained a defining trait.
“I know what I’m capable of,” she said. “Even when it’s not perfect, I believe I can figure it out. And today was one of those days.”
Whether it’s her growing maturity on the court, her fan-favorite interviews, or her ability to take a joke at her own expense, Coco Gauff continues to evolve into not just a champion, but a complete personality in the world of sports.
And if her recent comment is anything to go by, she’s not just winning matches—she’s winning hearts too.
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