Miami Heat player Jimmy Butler has been a prominent presence at Coco Gauff's matches during the US Open.

Their relationship has been characterized by mutual admiration and a wholesome dynamic, Stylecaster noted.

Both have acknowledged each other as sources of inspiration on the court and often seek each other's advice when preparing for significant games.

However, it's important to clarify that Coco Gauff and Jimmy Butler are not dating. Their bond appears rooted in a deep friendship and a shared passion for their respective sports.

Jimmy Butler has expressed his support for Coco, emphasizing her status as a champion and his desire to see her triumph in every match.

He has underlined his connection to her, given that she hails from the city where he works.

After Coco Gauff experienced a loss in the first round at Wimbledon, she found comfort in Jimmy Butler's sportsmanship and drew inspiration from his competitive spirit.

This support and mentorship played a role in her mental preparation for subsequent tournaments, such as the US Open, where she delivered impressive performances.

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Coco Gauff: 'I Do Want To Be the Best Version of Myself'

Coco Gauff, a rising tennis star, has spoken about her aspirations and the influence of tennis legend Serena Williams.

While acknowledging the immense legacy of Serena as the greatest player of all time (GOAT), Gauff also expressed that this recognition places slightly less pressure on her, per Yahoo! Sports.

She clarified that she is not seeking to replicate Serena's footsteps but aims to become the best version of herself and maximize her potential.

During a notable match at the US Open, Gauff drew attention for her assertiveness when she confronted an umpire regarding her opponent, Laura Siegemund.

Gauff had held a 3-0 lead in the final set and protested when Siegemund repeatedly signaled that she was not ready for Gauff's serve.

Gauff questioned the fairness of the umpire's leniency, particularly regarding time violations.

She raised concerns about the timing of score calls and the delay in making those decisions, emphasizing the need for consistency and fairness in the game.

Coco Gauff's Next Match

Coco Gauff's upcoming opponent in the US Open is the 32nd seed, Elise Mertens.

Mertens has already showcased her resilience in the tournament, notably saving three match points in her first-round encounter against Mirjam Bjorklund, according to Sportskeeda.

She faced a similar challenge in the second round when confronting 2022 Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins.

In that match, Mertens managed to stave off a couple of match points during the second-set tie-break and eventually secured a victory with a scoreline of 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-1.

Elise Mertens boasts a strong track record at the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals in 2019 and 2020 in the singles category.

Additionally, she clinched the doubles title at the US Open in 2019, partnering with Aryna Sabalenka.

The highly anticipated matchup between Coco Gauff and Elise Mertens is scheduled for Friday at 7 am. It will serve as the first match of the night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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