The New Serena Williams
Image Courtesy: The New Yorker
19-year-old Florida native Coco Gauff just became the youngest American to win the U.S. Open since Serena Williams in 1999, giving Gauff her first Grand Slam title. On Saturday, September 9, Gauff flipped her game around and prevailed over opponent Aryna Sabalenka’s intimidating strength by playing with unfaltering and energetic defense.
In an article with People, Gauff said in a post-win interview, “I feel a little bit in shock at this moment. That French Open loss was a heartbreak for me, and that makes this moment even more sweeter than I could imagine.” An iconic video of Gauff collapsing to the floor, conveying emotions of disbelief and joy mere seconds after her win, has been circulating the internet. In the heartwarming video, Gauff goes on to hug and thank her parents as they shed happy tears with her.
Gauff’s winning clip is not the only video that has gone viral, as her brother’s reaction to her win has spread like wildfire too. Her brother decided to stay home rather than attend the match in person because he did not want to jinx it. With superstitions confirmed, his reaction to her win was filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and elation for his sister.
Image Courtesy: People
While many knew Gauff was going to be a tennis superstar, no one could have predicted she would ascend to legendary status at such a young age. And yet, she did. Throughout the match, Gauff was supported by cheers from an energetic crowd, boosting her with the confidence to defeat Sabalenka.
In the past, Gauff has faced her share of criticism and doubt. In an article with NPR discussing Gauff’s win, the tennis sensation thanked her haters, stating, "Thank you to the people who didn't believe in me. Like a month ago, I won a title and people said I would stop at that. Two weeks ago I won a title and people were saying that was the biggest it was going to get. So three weeks later, I'm here with this trophy right now.” Gauff is currently on a career-high with a 12-match winning streak and a newly coveted title. She goes on to say, “Tried my best to carry this with grace, and I've been doing my best, so honestly, to those who thought they were putting water in my fire: You were really adding gas to it and now it's really burning so bright right now.”
Image Courtesy: People
With so many odds against her, Gauff persevered and is now a part of history. Saturday's ultimate match concluded with an 11-shot rally, highlighted by Gauff's exquisite backhand winner along the line. Gauff's determination and physical prowess, coupled with the thunderous cheers from the court crowd, successfully dismantled Sabalenka's formidable style of play, ultimately eroding her resolve. Gauff had managed to assert her dominance, persistently returning crucial shots in a high-stakes match, ultimately emerging as the triumphant player. This narrative is only the beginning for Miss Coco Gauff.
Strike Out,
Writer: Nikki Cohen
Editor: Noelle Knowlton
Tallahassee