Tennis-Star-struck Gauff uses Bieber as motivation for comeback win

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 1, 2023 Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber watch the third round match between Coco Gauff of the U.S. and Belgium's Elise Mertens REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Coco Gauff was left star-struck by Justin Bieber in the crowd during her U.S. Open match with Elise Mertens, but the 19-year-old American said the singer's presence also inspired her comeback victory on Friday.

Gauff dropped the opening set at Arthur Ashe Stadium but rallied, sealing a 3-6 6-3 6-0 win and reaching the fourth round with Bieber and his wife, Hailey, watching.