C. GAUFF/C. Osorio
7-6, 4-6, 6-2
Q. Talk about the difficulties of the match, pushing through at the end.
COCO GAUFF: Camila is a really tough player. I think this is my first time playing her. But we've practiced a few times. It's always like this when we practice.
Yeah, this is the first match since US Open. Just trying to get back into match mode. I think this time of the year it's, like, really a final push. I think today was a good match to start off the Asian Swing with.
Q. I saw you've been sharing things about Blind Box on social media for fun. What makes you want to share those moments? Could you tell me a little bit more about it.
COCO GAUFF: Yeah, honestly it started in Cincinnati. Someone gifted me a Blind Box. I was like, Let me just open it. It got a good response. People have been gifting me the Blind Boxes. I don't know, I just feel bad if I don't open it on TikTok.
Yeah, that's just really the thing. It's a way to, I don't know, a way for people to give me gifts (laughter). No, I'm just kidding.
It's just to show my appreciation. I genuinely enjoy doing it. People seem to watch it.
Q. I saw you even bring it in your bag.
COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I put it on my bag on the match. I've been getting a lot, so maybe I'll change 'em for each match.
Q. You celebrated bigger than winning a Grand Slam when you pulled the SKULLPANDA.
COCO GAUFF: Oh, my gosh, yes. I was really happy. Honestly, I think it's more exciting sometimes (laughter).
Q. Talking about the gifts, can you share more about the memorable gifts you received here in China Open, specifically from this year?
COCO GAUFF: Well, this year's been a lot of Blind Boxes. Her name was Shaw. She gave me like a Blind Box and also a really nice letter, which kind of made me tear up when I was reading it in my room.
It was just crazy 'cause I never thought, like, me from Florida would impact someone all the way here in China. I don't know, it's just the beauty of sport, the beauty of tennis, that we can connect across continents.
Q. Last year you said confidence is the most important factor to win the championship. Can you talk about the confidence during the Chinese swing and the China Open.
COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I mean, I don't know, I feel like I just go into this swing always just trying to push. I feel like this is the final push for the Finals, the final push of the year. Every match counts. Every match counts throughout the season, but even more so now I feel like.
I don't know. I think knowing that I have good results here in China maybe allows me to be more confident, especially when the matches get tough.
Q. Do you want to say something to the fans in the China Open?
COCO GAUFF: Well, (speaking in Chinese). I learned that. That means I love you. I've been asking the drivers every day to give me stuff. She told me to say that.
The next match maybe I might have a new phrase (smiling).
Q. You might be in line to play Sun Xinran. How much do you know about her game? The other one is Cristina Bucsa.
COCO GAUFF: Is it Bucsa? I've been saying Busca (laughter).
Yeah, I mean, honestly I don't know much about the junior. Did she win US Open?
Q. Yes.
COCO GAUFF: So I know that. She played Eva. She was playing a good match. Obviously it didn't finish well for Eva.
I guess I'll have to watch today. I think she is really promising. At 16, to be winning a junior slam, being able to compete on the biggest tournament probably so far of her career. That would be a matchup. I know she's going to play great tennis against me. I've been in that position.
Then Bucsa, we played each other US Open. That was a weird match. I got through in straight sets, but it was really tough.
I think either way I have my hands full.
Q. What would you say you're most proud of from your win today?
COCO GAUFF: I think just the reset in the third. Honestly, it was like a moment in the match I got really frustrated. I feel like Camila is that type of player, she can really frustrate you.
Yeah, I was able to reset for the third set. Just to be able to forget about the second set.
Q. Chinese fans, they like to call you the Fruit Cup Queen. The fruit cup, is that a way for you to relax?
COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I think sometimes it's just to get my mind off some things, like in real life. I can't chew gum on the court. Sometimes I'm chewing gum when I'm a little bit nervous. It's like a little bit of that.
Honestly, just for energy. Like the way my body is, I feel like I always need to keep eating something to continue to produce energy. I always try to eat a couple bites.
Q. You obviously broke out at 15 years old. Sun Xinran, 16 years old. She got to play on Diamond Court the other night. Can you give somebody advice of what it's like to break out at such a young age, then become thrust into the spotlight of a pretty large country with a lot of eyes on you?
COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I think, I mean, from that age, I don't know, like everything feels so new and fresh. I think the first year on tour is honestly the easiest in a way because new matchups, no one knows how to play you, there's no points to defend.
I mean, obviously there's going to be maybe -- I don't think even people are going to put pressure on her. They just want to see her win.
I think the biggest advice when you're second year on tour, try not to keep those same expectations. She'll be 17 on her second year. Remember that you're 17 years old, you're going to fail, you're going to succeed.
Obviously when you're young, especially coming from juniors when you're used to winning, it's sometimes tough to lose. I think it's really cool for her to continue to have a good tournament. Obviously I would love to play her, yeah.
Thank you.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports