Tennis Star Credits Jimmy Butler For Her Development

What does NBA basketball and tennis have in common?

Besides the obvious of being two sports, excelling at both requires top-notch mental preparation.

That’s why rising star Coco Gauff is channeling her inner Jimmy Butler to be at her best.

Gauff struggled a couple of months ago, being sent home in the first round of Wimbledon.

But she didn’t let it get her down and has bounced back in a big way, winning the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

When asked about that quick turnaround, Gauff praised Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler via NYdailynews.com via NBA Central.

“It was really just the mental thing. I think that’s what I learned from watching Jimmy compete over the years.” she said.

Coco Gauff credits Jimmy Butler for her ascension

“That switch I had in the last couple weeks. people think some incredible thing happened. But realistically, the two weeks between Wimbledon and the next tournament I played, nothing could have really changed that much. It was… pic.twitter.com/yFz0LOkfb0

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 30, 2023

Butler — a diehard tennis fan — was spotted courtside during her win over Mirra Andreeva, and has reportedly been a major source of inspiration for Gauff.

She’s seen Butler single-handedly lead the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals twice, and that competitive drive, resiliency, and strong mentality should impress even other professional athletes.

The Heat couldn’t get the job done in the NBA Finals last season, falling in just five games to the Denver Nuggets.

Nonetheless, the sole fact that they were in a position to win after barely getting into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed was remarkable and impressive enough for them to become an inspiration.

They didn’t have the most talent, best record, or even the fanciest game, but continuously found ways to get it done in the playoffs.

Now, Gauff — and many more athletes — can take a page from their book.

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