UNITED STATES. New York: Coco Gauff, the 19-year-old American tennis sensation seeded sixth, achieved a remarkable feat by defeating the second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
Gauff’s thrilling 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 comeback victory left the tennis world in awe, and she struggled to find words to express her gratitude for the experience.
Sabalenka, who previously claimed the Australian Open title, now seeks a second major victory to reach the pinnacle of the tennis world.
Gauff’s triumph in this match will elevate her to a career-high third place in the latest rankings, but what matters most to her is clinching her maiden Grand Slam title on home soil.
The significance of the moment overwhelmed Gauff, and as she secured the victory, she collapsed on the court, surrounded by a roaring crowd of 24,000 spectators who erupted in jubilation.
Displaying her passion for the sport, Gauff shared an emotional moment with her parents, Corey and Candi, who were seated in the grandstand.
Their unwavering dedication and hard work played a pivotal role in this memorable win. Embracing her parents, Gauff expressed her gratitude for their support with heartfelt gestures.
She recounted witnessing her father’s tears, a rare occurrence in her life, and her mother’s unwavering encouragement, regardless of the outcome.
Gauff’s remarkable achievement makes her the first American youngster to capture the US Open title since 1999, a testament to her growth since her debut at Wimbledon in 2019.
Overcoming a demoralizing first-round loss at Wimbledon, Gauff rebuilt her confidence in her groundstrokes and maintained her unwavering belief that she could win matches even when her performance wavered.
In the initial stages, Sabalenka targeted Gauff’s forehand and managed to secure a 2-1 lead. Despite an unconventional opening set, Sabalenka ultimately claimed the set. Gauff’s game improved significantly in the second set, forcing Sabalenka into errors.
Gauff showcased her athleticism and anticipation by defending the baseline admirably. Although she briefly relinquished a 3-1 advantage with a double fault, Gauff rallied to win the set and level the match.
In the decisive set, Gauff continued her momentum by securing two early breaks and serving confidently. This victory marked her third win in just two weeks, following triumphs against Elise Mertens and Laura Siegemund.
Sabalenka, who committed 46 unforced errors, praised Gauff’s extraordinary agility but admitted to losing her power due to overthinking in the second set.
Coco Gauff’s victory over Aryna Sabalenka brings an end to an incredible North American hard-court swing, during which she claimed two of the most significant titles of her career in Washington and Cincinnati.
After her disappointing Wimbledon exit, Gauff won 18 out of 19 matches, and this victory over Sabalenka marked her 12th consecutive win. Gauff expressed her gratitude to everyone who believed in her abilities.
Following this historic win in New York, former US President Barack Obama took to social media to convey his pride in Gauff’s on and off-court performances.
Fellow countrywoman Sloane Stephens hailed Gauff as “amazing,” while boxing legend Mike Tyson simply exclaimed “Coco!” The entire globe celebrated her success, including her homeland, America.
Former UK number one Annabel Croft commended Gauff’s resilience and ability to handle high-pressure situations, highlighting her as a true champion capable of giving back when it matters most.
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