Photo: FLLewis/Media City G — Coco Gauff holds up the winning trophy at the women’s US Open tennis championship at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on September 9, 2023.
Tennis phenom, Coco Gauff, won the women’s US Open title over the weekend. On NBC’s “Today Show” this morning she admitted to being shocked at her own achievement. It “still doesn’t feel real at all,” Gauff said. However, the 19-year old did indeed become the youngest winner since Serena Williams did it at 17 in 1999.
It was not an easy victory. Gauff dropped the first set 2-6 to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. In a stunning thriller, Gauff battled back to win the final two sets 6-3, and 6-2. Overcome with joy and relief, Gauff collapsed on the court while fans cheered, applauded, and snapped photos. A few moments later, she took time to kneel and say a prayer of gratitude.
Photo: FLLewis/Media city G — Drops to the court after winning first major title at the women’s US Open in New York, Saturday September 9, 2023.
As a feisty junior champion in 2019, Gauff burst onto the scene at 15. She became the youngest qualifier in Wimbledon history and made it to the fourth round in her Grand Slam debut. Many expected Gauff to be a breakout star. Yet, she had her doubters. Nevertheless, Gauff’s performance on Saturday proved she has developed into a player who has the skills and talent to win the big contests.
