Francisco Lindor, Storm Reid Delight Gauff with Australian Open Surprise
During a captivating media day at the WTA Tour driven by Mercedes-Benz in Melbourne, World No. 3 Coco Gauff experienced unexpected moments that enhanced her preparation for the Australian Open. Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, encountered a surprising interaction at her press conference.
Francisco Lindor’s Unexpected Proposal
At the conclusion of her opening press conference, Gauff was approached by Francisco Lindor, the shortstop for the New York Mets and a five-time MLB All-Star. He playfully asked if he could be her doubles partner for the weekend, prompting laughter from Gauff.
Lindor humorously remarked about being inspired by Gauff’s signature shoes, saying, “With your shoes, I’ve got a better chance.” Gauff enthusiastically accepted, stating, “You’d be the best doubles partner. I’ll put you at the net because you have good reactions.”
A Tennis Connection
This encounter was not their first. Lindor, a noticeable tennis fan, has previously supported Gauff at various tournaments including the Miami Open and the US Open. After the press conference, Lindor presented Gauff with a Mets jersey, strengthening their athlete connection.
Surprise Visit from Storm Reid
In another remarkable moment, actress Storm Reid, known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “The Last of Us,” surprised Gauff just before her practice session. Calling her “stranger” from the umpire’s chair, Reid expressed her excitement and nerves while reconnecting with Gauff.
“Oh my god,” exclaimed Gauff upon seeing Reid, who later shared her awe of Gauff’s skills. Reid described watching Gauff up close as “mesmerizing,” highlighting her impressive hand-eye coordination and talent.
Looking Ahead to the Australian Open
Coco Gauff is seeded third for the Australian Open and is set to compete against Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round on Sunday. Gauff’s best performance at this Grand Slam came in 2024 when she reached the semifinals, following a quarterfinal exit last year.
With the surprise encounters and support from peers like Lindor and Reid, Gauff is poised to take on the tournament with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.
