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 press 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.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
Casper Ruud is the highest-seeded man (No. 6) in action at the 2025 Australian Open on Saturday night, when he clashes with Spain’s Jaume Munar on January 11
Three years ago it was the men's world number one and allegedly lying on an entry visa, this year it's the men's world number one and a controversial doping cas
Jan 11, 2025, 11:36 AM ETCoco Gauff wiped the sweat off her brow as she bowed her head and walked to the net.She had just lost in the fourth round of the US Ope
Aug 30, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Madison Keys (USA) reacts after winning a point against Elise Mertens (BEL)(not pictured) in a women's singles match on day fiv