In an interesting turn of events, the US Open’s electrifying atmosphere was graced not only by tennis but also by the presence of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Coco Gauff, the No. 5 seed, found herself amidst an extraordinary night at Flushing Meadows, one that she will forever cherish.
Having just completed a challenging first-round match against Laura Siegemund, Gauff’s encounter with the Obamas was the icing on the cake. As she stepped into her post-match press conference, Gauff shared, “So, my mood is a little bit nicer. Maybe I’m saying nicer things than I actually planned on!”
The presence of these eminent figures transformed her frustration into joy. Gauff had found herself in the company of the former President and First Lady, who were there to commemorate 50 years of equal prize money at the US Open for both men and women. The rendezvous with the Obamas after the match left her awestruck and exhilarated.
😁😁😁@CocoGauff | @BarackObama | @MichelleObama | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/oTNz5uy2WI
— TENNIS (@Tennis) August 29, 2023
Recalling her encounter, Gauff expressed, “I haven’t soaked it in because I literally just walked in here. I think I’m going to never forget that moment for the rest of my life.” Their presence had an immediate impact, transforming her mood and perspective. The transformation was apparent as Gauff shared, “Yeah, I went from being really upset after a win to, like, being really happy. So, I’m glad I got to meet them.”
The Obamas’ influence on Gauff extended beyond their mere presence. The former President and First Lady praised Gauff for standing up for herself during the match when her opponent deliberately delayed the shot clock. Coco Gauff revealed, “They gave me some good advice, too. They just told me how I handle myself in these situations.” They affirmed to her that it was good to speak up for oneself.
Nice seeing the Obama’s watching Coco and smiling at her as she won-:))❤️👍😊
— Dawn (@Dawn91273141) August 29, 2023
The Obamas’ endorsement provided her reassurance. Gauff’s journey in the US Open carries not just the weight of her tennis performance, but also the weight of the entire nation. As the tournament takes further shape, the lessons from the Obamas resonate within Gauff, propelling her forward in her quest for glory, with newfound determination.
Did Barack Obama use to play tennis?
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has embarked on a podcast journey with rock icon Bruce Springsteen. Their collaboration, titled ‘Renegades Born in the USA,’ premiered on Spotify, offering a platform for their diverse discussions. Amidst their conversations about societal challenges and personal reflections, a surprising thread emerges—the world of tennis.
The episode, ‘Outsiders: An Unlikely Friendship,’ sets the stage for Obama and Springsteen to explore their varied backgrounds. During this podcast, Obama shares his yesteryear tennis days, providing a glimpse into his formative years.
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Hailing from Hawaii during the 1970s, Obama’s tennis journey began early. He recounted that as a young enthusiast, he participated in local tournaments, where a profound incident left a lasting impact.
Looking back, he reveals an encounter with a tennis pro who made a derogatory comment, insinuating that his name might tarnish the tournament chart because of his color.
This experience, which had racial undertones, resonated deeply with the future President and remains etched in his memory. It eventually influenced his approach to issues of identity and equality.
Amidst his busy political career, Obama’s affinity for tennis remains everlasting. His engagement in the sport extends beyond personal anecdotes. His family’s involvement in tennis, attendance at the prestigious US Open, and hosting tennis events at the White House reflect his enduring connection to the game.