The US Open has concluded with a bang. The star of the show, undoubtedly, has been its title holder, Coco Gauff. The teenager became the fourth to win the title at such a young age, following the footsteps of Serena Williams, Tracey Austin, and Pete Sampras. Her win came after beating the icon, Aryna Sabalenka, with 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Interestingly, right after her triumph, an old video of the young star surfaced on social media.
It showcased Coco Gauff as an 11-year-old in the same stadium, dancing and enjoying the match. Now, she is the one to lift a Grand Slam Cup at the same venue. Where she had tasted defeat in her previous Grand Slam events including the 2019 Wimbledon, she has finally been able to fulfil one of her professional dreams. Let us delve into the details of the tennis professional’s emotions after the victory.
Coco Gauff opens up about the people she is grateful for, post victory
As a young professional, Coco Gauff has shown maturity on the court beyond her age. Thus, it was not surprising to witness the star emotionally thank people behind her first big success. On top of the list was none other than her day, Corey. She revealed how her father has been crying in the celebration as he thought that he might have been harsh on the teenage star.
However, that wasn’t the case at all! In fact, she believed he had been a constant support. Further, she threw shade at the people who had been trash talking about Coco Gauff. Not believing in her skills, they had demoralised the young star; however, Gauff shed light on how that is not true. As a matter of fact, these people have just ignited her flames to prove them wrong even more.
After this, she mentioned her grandparents, parents, coaches, and the crowd, who have provided unconditional support to her. Her speech would have been incomplete without the mention of her faith and how it plays a role in her professional journey.
While this speech was already wholesome, Gauff mentioned Billie Jean King, who had fought for gender equality. Thus, enabling the tennis player to take home a whopping amount of $3 million.
Gauff’s coach was all praises for the young athlete and her ‘hunger’ to ‘win more’
Gauff has a quality not many can vouch for—That is the star quality. This was accepted by her coach as well, who believed that the young athlete uses her voice to speak powerfully and without any hesitation, including issues that require sensitivity. “She’s well beyond her years,” Jarmere Jenkins said about the young Gauff.
Referring to her as an advocate, he mentioned how well spoken she is along with the spirit of humbleness imbibed in her. If these praises weren’t enough, the coach also applauded Gauff for her never giving up spirit. Referring to this nature of her personality, Coco even said, “I feel like this is a big achievement, but honestly I feel like I’ve been so used to being in the public eye since I was basically 15 years old in high school.“
Verily, the star felt that she was ready to embrace the new changes that might greet her life, given the win she registered for herself. This strive toward success has made Gauff “hungry for more wins.“
Coco Gauff reveals her winning mantra
Frustrated and Disappointed, these were the two factors which acted as a catalyst for the young athlete to work hard toward her dream. Despite her dedicated work toward winning, Gauff felt that only hard work cannot enable one to continue winning.
Thus, she promised to work on the areas which require more improvement. Earlier as well, when she had suffered on the court, she had promised herself the same mantra. And it did work considerably; given the win that kissed the professional’s feet.
Referring to her momentum during her tough period, she recalled how people had said certain nasty things about the teenage star. Some of them even went as far as referring to her as mere hype. However, the American icon wasn’t ready to give up and in fact proved to everyone the kind of calibre she holds. “All those tears are for this moment”, the tennis pro said smiling.
Role of Gilbert in Gauff’s professional journey
Focus has also been on the player turned coach and commentator, the former world no. 4, Gilbert. Gauff, following the star’s example, has been overcoming various struggles and adversities. While others had commented on her playing safe and seeing how things would turn out, the instructions of the coach seemed quite different.
The player seems to have embraced the mentality of her mentor along with working hard for it. This reflects how important the right blend of personalities is for the team to play well, hence making matters easier for the athlete.
Serena Williams, an inspiration for young Coco Gauff
The talent and ethnicity of the young tennis player has oftentimes led to her being compared to the tennis icon, Serena Williams. Now, a victory as a teenager has just soared this comparison even more as Williams also won the US Open final as a teenager in 1999.
Even Gauff acknowledged this fact, and thus, when she was asked what it means to have her name inscribed beside Serena Williams on the trophy, Gauff replied honestly. She expressed how crazy it is to achieve this feat, especially since the tennis legend has allowed Gauff to dream big and aim for even bigger targets.
In the end, she also accepted how it is players like Serena and her sister who have made it easier for young girls to participate wholeheartedly in the game they love.
