CoCo.

In the first round of the US Open, now champion CoCo Gauff faced Laura Siegemund.

Laura pushed the limits of the rules and the willingness of the chair umpire to get involved.

Was it a strategy? Yes.

Did she cheat? Maybe.

It was smart of Laura to try to slow down CoCo’s fast speed of play.

But, Laura definitely pushed the limits, arguably crossing the lines.

For most of the match, the chair umpire let Laura get away with it.

And then: CoCo spoke up for herself.

CoCo is young.

Thrust into the limelight at a very early age, the pressure she must feel astounds me.

Even so, she reminded the chair umpire that players cannot sit when changing sides of the court between a set’s first and second game.

Laura definitely knew this—and knew better.

Then, CoCo worked up the gumption to call out Laura’s inability (or failure) to be ready when CoCo was ready to (and actually did) serve.

Laura knew she was slowing the game—and she should have known there was a risk of being called out for it, not just by the American crowd but by the person actually hired to monitor the game.

Watching CoCo stand up for herself—and for the game—was powerful.

She’s rightfully become a role model—not just in tennis, but for women and for all ages.

She has a quiet confidence and a willingness to be herself.

I am in awe of that. And, I am jealous.

I was so unsure of myself for so long. I often still am.

I wish I could say that when I’ve spoken up for myself—which isn’t often—it was received with roars of a US Open crowd.

Often, though, it catches people off guard, because I so rarely do it.

Since CoCo’s first-round match, I’ve thought of her often.

What would CoCo do? Professionally and calmly speak up for herself.

What would CoCo do? Have a sense of humor about the struggles and be honest about what she really wants to do to rest and recover from a hard match.

What would CoCo do? Be honest with herself and those asking things of her.

As I age, I start to find that my role models are younger than me. It’s a fun transition. I look forward to watching CoCo soar and leading us all as she does.

🎾🏆

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