Coco Gauff: Making History in Tennis
Coco Gauff at the US Open / Gtres
- Elena Boluda
Coco Gauff, hailed as the successor to Serena Williams, has taken the world of women’s sports by storm. Last weekend, on Saturday, September 23, the young American made history by winning the US Open. In a thrilling match that lasted two hours and six minutes, Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenka to become the 38th champion of the tournament before the age of 20. This achievement has only been accomplished by Tracy Austin and Serena Williams in the past.
Born in Atlanta in 2004, at just 19 years old, Coco Gauff has emerged as a true sporting prodigy. Supported by her parents, who recognized her talent from the very beginning, Gauff relocated to Florida to pursue a professional tennis career. Under the guidance of coach Richard Williams and Frenchman Jean Christophe Faurel, Gauff won her first significant match in 2018 and has been unstoppable ever since. At the age of 15, she made her debut in adult competitions and faced her first grand slam. This year, Gauff has conquered the world of tennis, inspiring others with her success and stating, “I hope another girl sees this and believes that she can do it too. I hope her name can also be on the trophy.”
Coco Gauff in Paris / Gtres
During the United States Open in early September, Gauff delivered a powerful message to those who doubted her abilities, expressing gratitude to those who fueled her motivation. She said, “Thanks to the people who didn’t believe in me. To everyone who thought they were pouring water on my fire, they were actually pouring gasoline on it and now I’m burning very brightly.”
Coco Gauff in Paris / Gtres
What Sets Coco Gauff Apart
At just 19 years old, Gauff has amassed a fortune of over $11 million, solely from her tournament winnings. In addition to her on-court success, she has secured lucrative endorsement deals and has a strong presence on social media. Recently, a video of Gauff dancing in the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium when she was just 8 years old went viral, accompanied by the caption: “Coco Gauff went from being a girl in the stands to US Open champion. Everything is possible.”
Coco Gauff went from being a kid in the stands to a US Open champion.
Anything is possible. pic.twitter.com/1kce1ANO6E
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2023
Aside from her triumphs on the court, Coco Gauff has also gained attention for her values and beliefs. She proudly identifies as a feminist, speaks out against racism, and advocates for mental health in elite sports. Gauff has openly shared her personal growth journey, stating, “In the past, I labeled myself as a player and felt that if I did not do well in tennis, it meant that I was not good as a person. It has taken a lot of growth to realize otherwise, and it has not been easy. I used to compare my tennis to my value.”
2 Responses
“Coco Gauff’s remarkable triumph at the US Open is a testament to her incredible talent and determination. At just 19, she has etched her name in tennis history, inspiring a new generation of players. The future looks incredibly bright for this rising star!”
Coco Gauff’s triumph at just 19 years old is a testament to her incredible tennis skills and resilience. Her victory at the US Open not only marks a historic moment but also signals the start of an exciting era for women’s tennis. Gauff’s rise to stardom is truly remarkable, and we can’t wait to witness her continued success in the future.