'I have some experience': Coco Gauff not afraid of French crowd ahead of Lois Boisson semifinal

Coco Gauff stated she isn't afraid of the French crowd when she takes on local favorite Lois Boisson in the Roland Garros semifinals. The American anticipates a Philippe Chatrier filled with home fans, who have caused more than one controversy when French players have been on court.

Her compatriot Jessica Pegula (No. 3) and especially Mirra Andreeva (No. 6) both suffered at the hands of the French crowd, with both falling to Boisson while playing in a Chatrier packed with local fans who massively supported their representative.

In the match against Andreeva, interruptions were constant, and effusive celebrations eventually got into the teenager's head, causing her to lose focus during a match played against a completely hostile crowd. Gauff was asked if she was concerned about the behavior of the local fans. "I only saw when she was up 5-3 and some points in the tiebreaker because I was getting ready to come here but obviously she is having a great tournament."

"I have played Jasmine [Paolini] and Sara [Errani] in Rome. I have played Caroline [Garcia] and Kristina [Mladenovic] here, so I have some experience playing against a crowd that maybe is not rooting for you, so it’s something I am looking forward to if it were to happen."

The American is one of the most beloved players on Tour and usually has a strong fan base worldwide; however, she has also been on the other side, something she has managed to overcome. "I think there are two ways I have done it in the past."

"A, just pretend they are cheering for you. B, just using it and not letting that get to you. I have been in crowds where they are 99% for me, so I don’t have an issue with it. I hope that everyone will be respectful and if not it’s cool."

"It makes sports exciting and I can’t get irritated and the fact that someone is rooting for their home town hero because I would do the same. It’s something I will mentally prepare for if it were to happen and prepare and be ready for."