News from September 10, 2023: Coco Gauff wins the US Open by beating Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Coco Gauff, the young Florida tennis player, created a surprise by winning the US Open against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. Despite a first set largely dominated by Sabalenka, Gauff showed resilience to come back into the match and win in three sets: 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.
This victory represents an unforgettable moment for Gauff who thus signs his first Grand Slam title. And doing it on home soil at the US Open adds a special emotional dimension to this victory. At just 19 years old, Gauff will reach 3rd place in the world in the WTA rankings, her best career ranking. For her part, despite the defeat, Sabalenka will take the place of world number 1.
The final started impressively for Sabalenka who literally pounded Gauff with her devastating forehand. Despite Gauff’s heroic defenses, Sabalenka won the first set with a score of 6-2 thanks to her power and a risky but rewarding game.
However, the Sabalenka machine gradually went out of order in the face of Gauff’s resilience. She managed to break her opponent in the second set and maintained her lead until the end to win the set 6-3. In the final set, Sabalenka lost her footing and conceded both of her service games, giving Gauff a comfortable 4-0 lead. Despite calling a doctor for a massage on her left thigh, Sabalenka was unable to reverse the trend. After two hours of fighting, Gauff celebrated his magnificent victory, symbolizing his self-sacrifice, with a final winning point.
This victory makes Coco Gauff the youngest American player to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999. Almost 18 years old at the time, Serena Williams also won the first of her twenty-three Grand Slam titles, including six at the US Open.
Gauff thus closes an exceptional summer tour with two titles to her credit: Washington and the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati, where she beat world number 1 Iga Swiatek in the semi-final. Additionally, she will also be ranked world number 1 in doubles alongside partner and compatriot Jessica Pegula, after reaching the quarter-finals at the US Open.
This victory for Coco Gauff at the US Open marks a crucial step in her young career and confirms her talent on the international scene. Her inspiring journey and resilience in the face of adversity make her a true tennis sensation. The world now has its eyes on her to see what other extraordinary performances she will deliver in the future.