It goes without saying that famous people adore the US Open. But thanks to one of the competition’s most unique abilities, basketball player Jimmy Butler in 2023 transformed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center into his own personal playground.
For Coco Gauff’s first three victories in Queens this year, the six-time NBA All-Star was a constant in the audience.
Butler, the star of Gauff’s favorite basketball team, the Miami Heat, overcame childhood hardship to become one of the game’s top players and is renowned for his tenacious approach to the game.
Gauff has been making an effort to channel the character known as “Jimmy Buckets” during the first week of the Open.
She came back from a set down to win in two of the matches, Round 1 versus Laura Siegemund and Round 3 versus Elise Mertens. The 19-year-old has advanced to the fourth round in Flushing for the second time and has a record of 14-1 after losing shockingly to fellow American Sofia Kenin in the first round at Wimbledon.
It’s been a run that has exhibited every characteristic of Butler’s legendary never-say-die spirit.
Gauff remarked after defeating Mirra Andreeva in the second round, “He has that mentality really of, you know, no matter what the odds are against him, he’s gonna give it his all.” “I believe he is simply one of those players [where] the mentality improves his performance. There are talented individuals who lack the mentality.
“I believe he has the aptitude and mindset. He is being carried along even more by it. Realistically, not much could have changed in the two weeks period between Wimbledon and the next competition I played. Actually, it was only a mental issue. I believe that’s what I took away from years of watching Jimmy compete.
Next up for a position in the US Open quarterfinals is No. 6 seed Caroline Wozniacki, a former world No. 1. Will Butler, or any of the other famous people who have been spotted at her matches this fortnight, return for this eagerly anticipated fourth-round contest?
Gauff is really hopeful.
“I regularly attend the Open. Being a player and simply watching the audience to see who is arriving, as well as the president’s box and suites to see who is present, is wild, she added. “I guess it’s a wonderful honor that people watch me play tennis on Friday night.
“When I saw Justin Bieber, I was undoubtedly star struck. When I was a child, “Never Say Never” was probably one of my favorite songs. “Baby, Oh, Baby” follows. I could listen to every one of his songs. Then Hailey arrived as well. It seemed to be a small date night for them, which was fantastic.
Jimmy Butler has attended a few of my matches, I noticed. I wasn’t as shocked to see him there. Man, this guy is busy. Why is he come to watch me play, I still think. It’s an amazing experience. I guess I’m really delighted and genuinely honored.