The US Open is a major tennis tournament that consists of five main championship categories: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The tournament occurs each year in Queens, New York, and is held over a two-week period from August to September. While this year all matches were extremely exciting in all categories, the singles matches were the most demanding and kept viewers on the edge of their seats, whether at home or in the stands. Even though the men’s singles was an intense and fascinating match between finalist Daniil Medvedev and winner Novak Djokovic, it cannot be compared to the women’s final, as nineteen-year-old player Coco Gauff made history as the youngest American Grand Slam champion since Serena Williams.
Cori “Coco” Gauff is a professional tennis player from Southern Florida. She grew up playing tennis with her father, Corey, and watching big tennis stars like Venus and Serena Williams play in Grand Slam tournaments. Serena won her first singles title at the US Open at age 17 in 1999, paving the way for future women and African Americans in the world of tennis. Gauff attended the US Open in 2012 at only eight years old and witnessed some of her own tennis role models, such as the Williams sisters, compete in matches.
In the women’s singles final on September 9, Gauff played against Aryna Sabalenka, who is now ranked as number one in the world. Only a teenager, Gauff has risen from the sixth to third best player in the Women Tennis Association’s (WTA) rankings. Right after the match ended, Coco fell to her knees in celebration before making her way to her family’s seats to hug her parents. During the post-match interviews, Sabalenka remarked, “And I just want to say congrats, Coco. You played unbelievable… many more to come, I’m pretty sure.” Gauff was at a loss for words, stating, “I feel like I’m a little bit in shock in this moment.” However, she congratulated Sabalenka on her performance and graciously complimented her determination throughout the match.
In addition, the US Open was a major spot for celebrity sightings this year; Amanda Seyfried, Ellen Popmpeo, Spike Lee, and Nicole Kidman, among others, attended the championship match and wished Gauff a congratulations. Naomi Osaka, four-time Grand Slam singles champion, was also there in support of Gauff. After the match, Gauff mentioned in her interview that she was happy to have Osaka back on the tour and was excited to meet her newborn daughter.
A few days after the tournament, on Monday, Gauff appeared as a special guest on the TODAY show and was interviewed by Hodaa Kotb and Savannah Gutherie. “I think if it came easy, I wouldn’t feel as appreciative as I did in that moment,” Gauff reflected. Not only is Gauff’s major title win extremely inspiring to all Americans, but it’s especially inspiring for young women and African Americans. In addition, the fact that she won this title in New York added to both her and American viewers’ excitement throughout the tournament. Like the Williams sisters, Coco Gauff encourages a new generation of tennis players to persevere to achieve their goals and to always strive for greatness.
