In front of Barack Obama’s eyes
Siegemund misses a big coup at the US Open
8/29/2023 5:02 am
Number 121 in the world rankings against sixth place – the starting position at the US Open is clear. But especially at the beginning, outsider Laura Siegemund can surprise against co-favorite Coco Gauff. Nevertheless, the 35-year-old ultimately loses in front of numerous celebrities.
Tennis player Laura Siegemund missed a big surprise after a strong performance at the US Open. Before the eyes of former US President Barack Obama, the 35-year-old woman from Swabia lost in the first round to co-favorite Coco Gauff 6:3, 2:6, 4:6. The American prevailed after a gripping 2:51 hours. In addition to Obama and his wife Michelle, numerous other stars such as actor Danny DeVito, ex-ski star Lindsey Vonn and former world boxing champion Mike Tyson also watched at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Night session on Ashe – you can’t ask for more”, enthused Siegemund in the last interview shortly before the game started. She had a clear plan for the difficult task against the sixth in the world rankings. Again and again Siegemund went aggressively to the net and let her opponent run with stop balls. In the first set, Gauff seemed increasingly unnerved, after 43 minutes a backhand from the 19-year-old sailed out of the game and Siegemund surprisingly won the set.
The first game of the second half was a great test of nerves and lasted 26 minutes alone. Siegemund debated with the referee, Gauff used the eighth breakball in the game, took the lead and won the sentence with ease. The American complained that Siegemund needed too long between rallies, so the German even received two warnings, which gave Gauff a point.
In the third round, Siegemund gave up her serve twice and had to admit defeat despite a lot of resistance. As world number 121. she had fought her way through qualification to even appear at the US Open for the seventh time in her career.