PARIS — Coco Gauff, the rising American tennis star, showcased not just her athletic prowess but also her quick wit and charm during her first-round match at the 2024 French Open. Facing French wildcard Lois Boisson, Gauff turned the crowd’s initial support for her opponent into cheers for herself—using a playful and unexpected tactic.
The 20-year-old Gauff, seeded No. 3 at Roland Garros, found herself in a tricky situation early in the match. The Parisian crowd, naturally rooting for their home favorite, loudly chanted "Allez, Lois!" throughout the first set. But Gauff, ever the competitor, decided to flip the script—by pretending the cheers were for her instead.
Turning the Crowd with Humor
After dropping the first set 6-4, Gauff needed a mental reset. Instead of letting the crowd’s energy rattle her, she leaned into it. "I told myself, ‘They’re saying ‘Coco’—they’re just saying it with a French accent,’" she later joked in her post-match interview. The lighthearted approach worked wonders, helping her refocus and dominate the next two sets 6-2, 6-1.
Gauff’s ability to stay composed under pressure has been a hallmark of her young career, but this match highlighted another strength: her knack for engaging with fans. "I love playing in front of crowds like this," she said. "Even if they’re not cheering for me at first, I try to win them over."
A Tactical Shift on the Court
Beyond the mental game, Gauff adjusted her strategy tactically. Boisson, ranked No. 227, relied heavily on her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play in the first set. Gauff responded by:
- Shortening points with sharper angles and drop shots
- Increasing her first-serve percentage from 58% in the first set to 72% in the second
- Exploiting Boisson’s weaker backhand side with deep cross-court rallies
The adjustments paid off. Gauff’s athleticism and consistency wore Boisson down, leading to 32 unforced errors from the Frenchwoman in the final two sets. "I knew I had to be patient and wait for my opportunities," Gauff explained.
The Crowd’s Reaction
By the third set, the dynamic had shifted entirely. What began as a partisan crowd gradually warmed to Gauff’s humor and tenacity. Fans applauded her winners and even chuckled when she mimed "Are you sure that wasn’t for me?" after a particularly loud "Allez!" from the stands.
Boisson, despite the loss, earned respect for her spirited performance. "It’s not easy playing a Grand Slam champion in your first Roland Garros," she said afterward. "But the crowd gave me energy, and Coco was just too good today."
What’s Next for Gauff?
Gauff, who won her first Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open, is now a strong contender for the French Open title. Her next opponent, qualifier Tamara Zidanšek, presents a different challenge, but Gauff’s confidence is high. "I’m here to compete, have fun, and enjoy the moment," she said.
Her ability to adapt—both in gameplay and crowd management—makes her a fan favorite and a formidable opponent. As tennis legend Martina Navratilova noted on social media: "Coco’s mental toughness and sense of humor are a deadly combo. The crowd might not always start on her side, but they’ll leave as fans."
Conclusion: A Star Who Connects
Gauff’s victory over Boisson wasn’t just about advancing to the next round—it was a masterclass in sportsmanship and charisma. By playfully embracing the crowd’s energy, she turned a potential disadvantage into an advantage, proving once again why she’s one of tennis’s brightest young stars.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Gauff—both for her on-court brilliance and her ability to win over fans, one witty remark at a time. "That’s the beauty of tennis," she said. "Every match is a chance to tell a new story."