Coco Gauff's groundbreaking victory at the U.S. Open on Saturday night wasn't just a joy to observe but was also a full-circle moment for the tennis star who was a kid in the stands just 11 years ago.
Gauff brought home her first Grand Slam title after defeating Belarus player Aryna Sabalenka in a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City. The crowd erupted into loud cheers and a standing ovation as 19-year-old Gauff fell to the floor, overcome with emotion from her victory. After hugging her opponent, Gauff stood in disbelief and made a heart to the roaring audience.
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Since her big win, a sweet video of a young Coco Gauff has started to make its way around the internet — reminding everyone just how much she's accomplished in a short amount of time. The video shows an 8-year-old Gauff in the stands at the U.S. Open in 2012, dancing and having a fun time.
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Gauff is now the youngest American player to win the U.S. Open since Serena Williams took the title in 1999. Gauff sent her praises to both Serena and sister Venus in a press interview after the match, thanking them for paving the way for her.
“I mean, they're the reason why I have this trophy today, to be honest,” Gauff told ESPN. “They have allowed me to believe in this dream. Growing up, there weren't too many Black tennis players dominating the sport. It was literally, at that time when I was younger, it was just them that I can remember.”
Gauff was met with a long list of congratulations from major celebrities and athletes, including Serena Williams, who reposted Gauff's Instagram photo and added, “Amazing!!!!!!!!” Former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama both congratulated Gauff as well. Her victory comes just one week after Gauff said she pushed through to win one of her matches when she noticed Justin Bieber was in the crowd.
In post-match interviews, Gauff took time to thank her parents — including her dad, who she said she hadn't ever seen cry before until that day. “He doesn't want me to tell y'all that, but he got caught in 4K.” She also made sure to thank tennis legend Billie Jean King for fighting for equal pay after collecting her $3 million victory check. And lastly, Gauff gave a shoutout to the “people who didn't believe in me.”
“I tried my best to carry this with grace, and I've been doing my best,” Gauff said of her doubters. “Honestly, to those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it. And I'm now I'm really burning so bright right now.”
