Coco Gauff withstood the great pressure and won the US Open for the first time. The 19-year-old celebrates the triumph with great emotions.
Coco Gauff fell on her back, cried overwhelmedly and formed a heart with her hands towards the frenetically cheering fans. With great emotions, the American crowd favorite asked for a strong one comeback his first triumph at the US Open celebrated. The 19-year-old defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 2:6, 6:3, 6:2 after 2:06 hours on Saturday (9/9/23).
Gauff “a little shocked”
“I’m a little shocked”said Gauff in her speech Arthur Ashe Stadium and thanked her parents, among others. “Today I saw my father cry for the first time.” She remembered watching her idols as a child in the stands of the largest tennis stadium in the world Venus and Serena Williams saw play. “That’s why it’s incredible to be on this stage.”
Even before the first rally, everything was ready for a big American evening: jazz singer Cecile McLorin Salvant sang “America the Beautiful”, a huge US flag was stretched across the square by more than 40 people. Tennis icon Billie Jean King was at the net during the coin toss in the year of the 50th anniversary of equal prize money for women and men at the US Open.
Sabalenka with a dominant start
But Sabalenka wanted to prevent the big home party. The powerful Belarusian started powerfully from the first point and dictated the game. Gauff dived from left to right, defended as well as possible, but her shots often became shorter and shorter in longer rallies. Sabalenka took the first with two straight winning strokes Break in the first game. A murmur went through the audience at the clear distribution of roles.
The fans in New York then celebrated the American’s first win of the game, making it 1-2. And Sabalenka showed signs of nervousness, allowing himself three early double faults. However, after the 2:2 she pulled away again and dominated the game with her power tennis despite strong resistance from Gauff. Despite making 14 unforced errors, Sabalenka took the first set after 40 minutes.
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Young US star Gauff celebrates emotional US Open triumph
Gauff turns the match around
Gauff had already given up the first set against Laura Siegemund in the first round and also against the Belgian Elise Mertens during the tournament – and came back in each case. The same happened this time: Gauff got off to a good start in the second set, gained confidence and was able to put her opponent in more trouble.
Sabalenka also applauded a successful ball pass and the audience rose to its feet for the US star, who made the break to make it 3-1 a short time later. With high balls on the forehand, Gauff threw her opponent out of the concept and now determined the rhythm. A forehand from Sabalenka sailed out to lose the second set, Gauff jogged into the dressing room.
Sabalenka frustrated
Sabalenka was completely frustrated and conceded the next break in the first game. At a loss, she went to her appendix and got a new bat. But this didn’t bring any improvement either. Gauff moved ahead to 4-0. When the score was 1:4, Sabalenka put a white towel over her head and had herself treated.
After the brief rebellion, however, Gauff had the upper hand again – and was able to celebrate a little later. Thanks to the greatest success of her career, she will now climb to number three in the world rankings.