Coco Gauff scripted history in New York City last night, by winning her maiden Grand Slam on her home soil. Gauff has had a phenomenal season so far, and her quest for a major title is finally over. With this victory, Gauff is now the latest teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams achieved it in 1999.
Coco took on Aryna Sabalenka in the summit clash, in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. The crowd got their money’s worth, as both players went hard at each other. But in the end, Gauff got the upper hand on the soon-to-be world number one, defeating Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Since winning the title in New York City, there has been an outpouring of love and congratulations for Coco. Former President and First Lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle Obama congratulated her. They were present during Coco’s first-round game against Laura Siegemund in the Flushing Meadows. Here are their reactions to Gauff’s achievement.
Congratulations to US Open champion, @CocoGauff! We couldn’t be prouder of you on and off the court – and we know the best is yet to come.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 9, 2023
So proud of you, @CocoGauff! Your hard work and grit was on display throughout this tournament. This is your moment! 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/WBeqiaIrTk
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 9, 2023
Another former President, Bill Clinton, and Australian tennis legend, Rod Laver, also took to social media to congratulate Gauff. Last year’s US Open champion, Iga Swiatek was not far behind either.
Congratulations Coco Gauff on your incredible victory in this year’s @usopen! The future of American tennis looks bright.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) September 9, 2023
Congratulations on breaking the ice at the US Open @CocoGauff. Winning your first major at home is special. You kept calm and withstood the pressure with maturity and purpose, the sign of a great champion. Enjoy the moment! 🚀
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 9, 2023
Congrats to you both! @CocoGauff on your 1st GS title, so special on your home soil and to @SabalenkaA on becoming new no 1. Amazing night and time for women’s tennis!👏🏼🏆
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) September 10, 2023
Tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz, Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, and others also commended Coco Gauff for her win. Former boxing star Mike Tyson also praised Coco.
The fact that so many renowned athletes and non-athletes have wished Coco, shows just how much she is loved. Gauff is an inspiration to many, but her own idol, Serena Williams, did not forget to congratulate her either.
Serena Williams congratulates Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff had a dream run during the North American Hardcourt swing this year. She won her first WTA 500 title in Washington, then followed it up with her first 1000 Masters title in Cincinnati. It all culminated with Gauff winning her maiden Grand Slam at the Flushing Meadows.
Gauff has always spoken about idolizing tennis legend Serena. The 23-time Grand Slam champion gave birth recently but made time to congratulate Gauff on her incredible achievement. Williams shared Coco’s post on her Instagram story with the caption, “Amazing!!!”
Gauff now joins Serena and Tracy Austin, to become the latest American teen to win the US Open. Coco will also achieve her best career ranking of number three this Monday. This milestone is just a start for Gauff, who will, undoubtedly, accomplish a lot more in her career.