Varvara Gracheva is the first player standing in the way of Coco Gauff as she begins her quest to defend her 2023 US Open title. But who exactly is the 24-year-old Frenchwoman who will be taking on the reigning champion?
Gracheva, currently ranked No. 66 in the WTA standings, brings not just her skillset to the court but also an intriguing backstory that sets her apart.
A New Chapter in French Tennis
Originally from Moscow, Gracheva moved to Cannes, France, at 16 to train at the Elite Tennis Center, which also boasts tennis star Daniil Medvedev as an alumnus. Her dedication to her new home country led to her obtaining French citizenship in 2023. Since then, she has proudly represented France on the tennis court, including competing in the home Olympics.
Gracheva has openly shared her experiences adjusting to life in France. She has embraced the country’s food, history, and architecture, though she admits that the French sense of humor still takes some getting used to.
Currently, Gracheva is the fourth-highest-ranked Frenchwoman in tennis, trailing only Clara Burel, Diane Parry, and Alizé Cornet. Although she hit a career-high ranking of No. 39 in January, her current standing at No. 66 still places her within striking distance of the top French players.
Making Her Mark on the Tour
2024 has been a solid year for Gracheva as she continues to establish herself as a formidable opponent on the WTA tour. In recent months, she nearly pulled off an upset against World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in Cincinnati. After losing the first set 6-0 and falling behind 4-1 in the second, Gracheva fought back to win a gritty tiebreak before ultimately succumbing in the third set.
Earlier this year, Gracheva made waves at Roland Garros by defeating former semifinalist Maria Sakkari in a thrilling three-set match. The win was a significant milestone for Gracheva, who reached the fourth round of the French Open, her new home Slam. This performance made her the last Frenchwoman standing at Roland Garros 2024, a moment celebrated by the crowd with a rousing rendition of “La Marseillaise.”
A Familiar Battleground in Flushing
Gracheva is no stranger to the US Open, having competed there four times before. She has reached the third round twice, in 2020 and 2021. Notably, she knocked out Paula Badosa, a rising star in the WTA, in straight sets during both of those campaigns. In 2020, Gracheva’s victory over Badosa marked her Grand Slam main-draw debut, during which she also made headlines by overcoming a 6-1, 5-1 deficit and saving multiple match points against Kristina Mladenovic.
Last year, Gracheva’s US Open journey ended in the first round with a loss to Taylor Townsend, but she’s looking to go further this year. Her match against Gauff will be their second meeting, with the first taking place in Auckland this January, where Gauff secured a convincing win before going on to claim the title. As they prepare to face off again on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, Gracheva will aim to flip the script in what promises to be an exciting match.
FAQ Section
Who is Varvara Gracheva?
Varvara Gracheva is a French tennis player originally from Moscow, currently ranked No. 66 in the WTA standings. She gained French citizenship in 2023 and represents France in international competitions.
What are Gracheva’s notable achievements?
Gracheva has reached a career-high ranking of No. 39 and has twice reached the third round of the US Open. She also made it to the fourth round of Roland Garros in 2024.
How has Gracheva performed against top players?
Gracheva has pushed top players like World No. 1 Iga Swiatek to three sets and defeated former Roland Garros semifinalist Maria Sakkari in a major upset at the 2024 French Open.
When will Gracheva face Coco Gauff?
Gracheva will face Coco Gauff in the first round of the 2024 US Open, marking their second meeting after Gauff’s victory in Auckland earlier this year.
