TRENDING

19-year-old tennis player Coco Gauff just won her first major title. The American teen defeated soon-to-be World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in New York City to clinch the championship.

@girlslifemag Coco is now the youngest American to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999 🎾🫶🤍 #cocogauff #serenawillams #usopen #usopentennis #tennis #cocogauffedit #cocogauffthetennisplayer ♬ original sound - Life Stories by Goalcast

Coco, the No. 6 seed in the tournament, is the youngest American to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999. And after the match, she told the media how much of honor it was to have her name on the same trophy as the iconic Williams sisters (ICYMI, Serena and Venus won the title a combined eight times).

"They're the reason I have this trophy today, to be honest. They have allowed me to believe in this dream. Growing up, there weren't too many Black tennis players dominating the sport," said Gauff. "All the things they had to go through, they made it easier for someone like me to do this."

 

 

 

 

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Celebs were quick to send their congrats—with high-profile figures like President Joe Biden and former First Lady Michelle Obama posting celebratory messages on Twitter.

So proud of you, @CocoGauff! Your hard work and grit was on display throughout this tournament. This is your moment! 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/WBeqiaIrTk

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 9, 2023

Coco broke onto the tennis scene in 2019 as a 15-year-old qualifier at Wimbledon. After reaching the fourth round, Coco went on to win five WTA titles—and make it to the finals at the French Open last year.

For winning the tournament, Coco will snag a sweet $3 million in prize money (shoutout to the legendary Billie Jean King for championing equal payouts for men and women). She'll also slide up to No. 3 (a career high!) in the WTA rankings.

Oh, and did we mention that Coco also has the No. 1 spot in the women's doubles rankings, alongside fellow American Jessica Pegula?

We're beginning to think there's nothing this girl can't do. Many more major titles in her future? We think yes.

 

 

 

 

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Keep up with Coco on IG @cocogauff!

Top image: @usopen
Slider image: @usopen

by Kathleen O'Neill | 9/9/2023