American teenager Coco Gauff achieved a remarkable victory at the US Open on Saturday, securing her first-ever Grand Slam title with a determined performance against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
In an intense match that lasted 2 hours and 6 minutes, the 19-year-old Gauff battled back from a first-set loss to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
This achievement places Gauff in prestigious company as only the third American teenager to conquer the US Open, following in the footsteps of tennis legends Tracy Austin and Serena Williams. In a lighthearted moment during her victory speech, Gauff playfully thanked those who may have doubted her abilities, quipping, "Honestly, thank you to the people who didn't believe in me.
For those who believed they were dampening my spirits, they actually fueled my determination, and right now, I'm shining more brightly than ever before.
Following her thrilling win over Aryna Sabalenka, an outpouring of congratulatory messages flooded social media platforms in celebration of the young American's first Grand Slam triumph. Notably, former President Barack Obama extended his congratulations to Coco Gauff in a heartfelt post, stating, "Congratulations to US Open champion, Coco Gauff! We are incredibly proud of you, both on and off the tennis court, and we're confident that even greater things lie ahead for you.
It's worth mentioning that Barack and Michelle Obama were present at Arthur Ashe Stadium on the opening night of the tournament when Gauff staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Laura Siegemund with a score of 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. They even had the opportunity to meet Gauff in person, and their support was evident throughout the event.
Michelle Obama also joined in the chorus of congratulations, sharing a picture of their meeting with Coco Gauff. Three-time US Open champion Billie Jean King added her voice to the celebration, writing, "Congratulations to Coco Gauff on her very first Grand Slam Singles title! She is the #USOpen Women's Singles champion!"
Former US President Bill Clinton also took to social media to applaud Gauff's incredible victory, expressing optimism about the future of American tennis.
In addition to political figures and sports stars, basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson recognized Coco Gauff's achievement and commended her parents, Corey and Candi, for their outstanding support in her journey.
During her victory speech, Gauff also took a moment to acknowledge Billie Jean King for her pioneering efforts in the fight for equal prize money in tennis. King was instrumental in the landmark decision to provide equal prize money to female and male competitors at the US Open 50 years ago.
In response, King noted the significance of this moment, referencing the "Original 9," the group of women, including herself, who courageously signed $1 contracts to launch a women's professional tennis circuit in 1970.
Gauff's victory was a testament to the progress and equality that has been achieved in the sport since then.
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