'Coco', the nickname that ended up becoming a name

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With the pressure on to defend the US Open title, Coco Gauff passed the first test on the road conceding only two games to Varvara Gracheva. Such a comfortable start that there was room during the press conference to discuss other topics, for instance, the secret behind her name. Why do they call her Coco if her real first name is Cori? Even on her WTA profile, she's listed as Coco. All of this had to be explained by the American player, who is already resting in the second round of the singles draw.

The champion's pressure

"It's all a matter of perspective, even though it's true that this edition carries a lot more pressure, that's what defending a title entails. My past few weeks were tough, constantly feeling the weight of having to do this and that, but I don't have to prove anything to anyone but myself. These two weeks have confirmed all the expectations I have for myself, so I'm learning, realizing how much more I have to offer to this game. I know I have many years ahead of me coming here, but I won't win every year. It's just a matter of perspective, having the belief in what I can do, but without the expectation of what I should do."

Promising start

"My level didn't surprise me because I had been training very well throughout this whole week, it has been a really good practice week. Honestly, I was just telling myself that I was ready, coming off a great week and gradually finding my game. In the other two tournaments I played, I felt off even during practice. This week, I felt like I was finding my game, had confidence stepping on the court, knew I could rely on my practices to find my game, regardless of the score. Then it's just about executing it."

The backstory of her name

"My real name is Cori, many times when I check into a hotel or pass through an airport, the person looks at me and says, 'But you're Coco?' I tell them yes, of course, Coco is just a nickname. Sometimes I've had to change it at a hotel so they would give me the room (laughs). My father's name is Corey, so I didn't want to be mistaken for my father, especially when my mother yells at one of us at home. My aunt says she came up with calling me Coco, although my father says that as a child, people used to call him Co. So, he said, 'I'll call my daughter Coco.' I don't know which story is true out of the two, but they'd both be mad if I didn't mention them equally. I'll say no more."

Freedom of movement in the stands

"It doesn't bother me, maybe if someone wears a white shirt, yes, I think today I made my opponent pause for a second so someone could sit down, but usually, it doesn't bother me. Sometimes it's odd when there are so many people moving around, but it's okay for fans to have that experience. The umpires are quite accommodating when a player asks them to wait, everyone here has their preferences, so you have to listen to everyone's requests. I emphasize the role of the umpires and their tolerance on this matter, as long as they remain so, I don't think there will be major issues for the players and fans."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ‘Coco’, el apodo que acabó convirtiéndose en nombre