Coco Gauff has revealed she was concerned over a Carlos Alcaraz-related ‘jinx’ ahead of her China Open final triumph. The American stormed past Karolina Muchova in the Beijing showdown on Sunday.
Gauff defeated Muchova 6-1 6-3 to end a short run of disappointing tournament campaigns. However, the 20-year-old initially feared the worst when she was asked in a press conference if a visit to the Forbidden City alongside Carlos Alcaraz would bring her luck.
The duo spent time together at the Forbidden Palace – the centre of Chinese politics for nearly 500 years up to 1924 – ahead of the tournament. Alcaraz went on to win the men’s singles in Beijing, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in an epic final last week.
But at that stage, Gauff was only competing in the round of 16 and the final felt some way off. She was concerned that she would tempt fate by suggesting her trip to the Forbidden City would bring her luck, as it had done for Alcaraz.
Speaking on court after the final, Gauff said: “Carlos and I both went to the Forbidden City earlier this week. Someone in [a press conference] asked me if it was gonna bring luck. I was like I don’t know I don’t want to jinx it. Then Carlos won. At that time it was only Round of 16 for me. But I guess the Imperial Palace brought us luck.”
Gauff eased through her first set, dropping only one game. Muchova put up a stronger fight in the second set but Gauff claimed the WTA 500 title.
The champion praised her opponent, who has struggled with injuries this season. She said: “I want to say congratulations to you Karolina. It’s great to see you back on tour. You’re such an amazing player. You deserve everything. Hopefully we play many more finals.
“I don’t wanna say I hope some go your way, but maybe against someone else they’ll go your way. It’s incredible to see how you’re able to manage your season after so many injuries. Hopefully you stay healthy this year and for the rest of your career.”
Muchova, who had lost both previous meetings with Gauff, admitted to the world No. 6: “You kicked my butt today, literally… Again. You must love to play against me. It was really tough today. It just showed how great of an athlete you are. Congratulations for another win. Good luck for the rest of the season. All the best for you and your team.”
