In a landmark moment for American tennis, 19-year-old Coco Gauff has won the US Open, becoming the first American to win the title since Sloane Stephens in 2017.
The victory came after a closely fought match against second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, ending with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 scoreline in Gauff's favor.
A true rising star of the sport, Gauff is now considered a potential future Grand Slam champion and one of the most promising young players in the world.
She said
Thanks to the people who didn’t believe in me. I won a 1000 title (in Cincinnati) and people said it was the biggest I would get. I tried my best to carry this with grace, those who thought they were putting water on my fire they were adding gas to it, I’m burning so bright now.
‘Oh my goodness, it means so much to me, I feel like I’m a little bit in shock. God puts you through tribulations and that makes it even more sweeter than I imagine. My faith has been important, I’m so blessed in this life, I’m so happy for this moment.
19-year-old Coco Gauff wins US Open after defeating second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Grand Slam title
‘I knew that if I didn’t give it my all I had no shot at winning, Aryna is an incredible player. Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my Dad cry.
'He thinks he’s so hard! My dad brought me to this tournament to watch Venus and Serena so it’s incredible to be on this stage. I tried to Facetime my brother after but he didn’t answer.