2024 US Open: Coco Gauff’s rising career hits a bump before she defends her first Grand Slam title

AP Tennis Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Yes, Coco Gauff is a Grand Slam champion. Yes, she’s been ranked No. 1 in doubles and No. 2 in singles. Yes, she’s already a big star who transcends her sport and was a flag bearer alongside LeBron James at the Paris Olympics and has a signature shoe and is featured on Wheaties boxes. She was 19 when she won her first Grand Slam trophy in New York a year ago. Her title defense at the U.S. Open begins Monday. But Gauff is in a bit of a slump as the tournament begins.