The 19-year-old American strode in wearing a white linen sundress. Side cutouts at the waist, embellished with faux coral, highlighted her sculptural build. Where many of her fellow athletes wore heels of punishing height, she'd chosen platform sandals. (Better for the feet.) She'd opted out of glam services provided by the Women's Tennis Association to do her own makeup a natural dewy glow-and her hair was in windswept waves.
Asked what she thought of Cancún, Gauff said it reminded her of home, Delray Beach in Florida. "I love the beach," she told reporters. "I'm like a mermaid, so to wake up every day and see the beach is a dream." It had been seven weeks since Gauff won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and the buzz of victory still surrounded her. Although she was the youngest American to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 1999, it felt like a long time coming.
Gauff's game can get incredibly physical, and in the US Open final, she often looked like a track star running lateral sprints as she chased down Aryna Sabalenka's powerful groundstrokes. When Gauff won, with a backhand passing shot down the line, Arthur Ashe Stadium erupted.
Gauff has a unique ability to draw energy from a crowd, and they from her. This has been true ever since she beat Venus Williams in the first round at Wimbledon in 2019. Gauff was new to the professional tour, ranked 313th, and unknown outside of tennis circles. She was also, at 15, the youngest woman to qualify for Wimbledon in the Open Era. When she won match point, Gauff allowed herself two seconds to absorb the shock before making a line for Williams.
Bu hikaye Vogue US dergisinin April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Vogue US dergisinin April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
A Mother's Story
In a Broadway revival of Amy Herzog's play Mary Jane, Rachel McAdams finds uncommon grace in an account of parental struggle and pain.
Old Souls
A new production of Uncle Vanya brings the eternal wisdom of Anton Chekhov to the stage.
ELIZABETH DEBICKI
The actor who brought Princess Diana to life—and won a passel of awards in the process—is ready to transform anew.
If the Shoe Doesn't Fit
Forever looking for a 42 ina world of 39s.
Stuck on You
Once applied primarily to adolescent totems, stickers for wellness!are growing up.
Partial to It
Gen Zers have deemed side parts hopelessly outdated, but new defenders see the appeal.
With Nail and I
Inspired by recent runways, Lena Dunham tries on inch-long talons and mere tip-skimming lengths, and wonders: What do our nails say about all we’re asked to do?
Not Black and White
At just 27, Anna Park has made a major impression on the art world. Dodie Kazanjian visits her studio.
Prep School
Back in the '90s, Plum Sykes arrived in New York from London and promptly found herself in the thrall of preppy chic. Now, she writes, it's all coming back.
States of WONDER
John Galliano's recent Maison Margiela triumph was an haute couture tour de force. Yet, as Hamish Bowles recalls, it's but the latest in the designer's long history of era-defining shows.