Coco Gauff, the rising tennis sensation, etched her name in history by capturing the 2023 US Open women’s singles title in a thrilling final against Aryna Sabalenka. The 19-year-old American’s journey to Grand Slam glory unfolded in a gripping three-set match that showcased her resilience and determination.
The championship moment, marked by Gauff’s 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory, transcended the boundaries of the tennis court as she shared an emotional embrace with her parents immediately after securing the win. The significance of this triumph was palpable as Gauff not only clinched her first Grand Slam but also achieved a major breakthrough in her burgeoning career.
As Gauff basked in the glory of her triumph, the Arthur Ashe Stadium witnessed a poignant scene. The newly crowned champion, having collapsed on the court in sheer joy and relief, made her way to the stands, guided by the echoes of applause from the crowd. Her destination was clear—her family awaited.
Ascending the concrete steps of the iconic stadium, Gauff approached her player box, where her father, Corey, stood ready to envelop her in an embrace. Moments later, her mother, Candi, joined the emotional reunion, and the trio shared tears of joy, celebrating the extraordinary achievement that had just unfolded on the grand stage of the US Open.
The emotional significance of this victory was underscored by Gauff’s revelation during the on-court interview. In a candid moment, she disclosed, “Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry.” This heartfelt admission added a layer of authenticity to the jubilant celebration. Corey, attempting to downplay the revelation, gestured in disagreement from the player box, eliciting laughter from the young champion. “He doesn’t want me to tell you all that,” Gauff quipped. “But he got caught in 4K.”
Beyond the tears and laughter, Gauff took a poignant moment to express gratitude to her parents, acknowledging their unwavering belief in her from the inception of her tennis journey. “Both of my parents believed in me from the beginning,” she shared during the on-court interview. This sentiment of familial support and belief in her dreams echoed in her post-match press conference.
Reflecting on her parents’ influence, Gauff revealed that they instilled in her the importance of dreaming big. However, the significance transcended the realm of tennis, as Corey and Candi consistently reminded their daughter that she is more than a tennis player. “That I’m a person and I’m human, and that this tennis thing is just what I do, but it’s not who I am,” Gauff emphasized.
Opening up about her personal struggles and growth, Gauff candidly admitted to grappling with the tendency to equate her self-worth with tennis performance. “In the past, I would label myself as a tennis player, and I felt like if I didn’t do well in tennis it meant I wasn’t a good person,” she shared. “It took a lot of growth to realize the opposite. Honestly, it’s been a struggle.”
Acknowledging the role of her parents in providing unwavering love and support, Gauff expressed how their reminders that they loved her regardless of tennis outcomes played a pivotal role in shaping her mindset. “Having my parents always remind me that they loved me regardless of how I do helped me today,” she affirmed, shedding light on the profound impact of familial support on her journey to Grand Slam success.
Coco Gauff’s triumph at the 2023 US Open transcends the confines of tennis achievement, embodying the essence of resilience, familial bonds, and personal growth. As she navigates the complexities of her burgeoning career, this historic victory stands as a testament to the power of self-discovery and the unwavering support of family in the pursuit of dreams.