Coco Gauff comes from behind to win U.S. Open

Coco Gauff 2023 U.S. Open Women’s Champion. Photo by Getty Images.

 NEW YORK, NY – Coco Gauff etched her name in history as the teenager came from behind to defeat Aryna Sabalenka (2-6, 6-3, 6-3), winning a thrilling U.S. Open finale at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The title was the first major championship for Gauff, the youngest Open winner since Serena Williams who was 17 years old when she won in 1999.

“They (Williams sisters) are the reason why I have this trophy today, to be honest,” said Gauff. “Growing up there weren’t too many Black tennis players dominating the sport. All the things they had to go through, they made it easier for someone like me to do this.”

Sabalenka dominated the first game of the match breaking Gauff’s set, winning the game 6-2 as the 19-year-old struggled to find any rhythm. Only one woman had won the U.S. Open finals since 1995 after losing the first set. Sabalenka was also 9-0 lifetime in Championship finals on the hardcourt after winning the first game. 

In the second set, Gauff composed herself, dug deep, and started fighting back winning the frame 6-3. She realized she couldn’t match the power and strength of Sabalenka and instead focused on her own speed, energy, and pace.

“I knew I needed my court speed today,” said Gauff. “I knew I wasn’t going to hit through her so I was trying my best to get every ball back so she’d feel the pressure. I was trying to be aggressive but it’s so tough when she’s hitting the ball so hard so I was trying to play for depth and picking my shots when I could.”

Gauff’s tenacity electrified the New York crowd as they cheered on the young American phenom who was looking to become the first American-born winner since Sloane Stephens in 2017. That crowd included New York legend Spike Lee and other celebs such as Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Ariana DeBose, Diane Keaton, and Nicole Kidman. Tennis royalty was also on hand including past U.S. Open winners John McEnroe, Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles, and Billy Jean King.

In the final set, Gauff came out firing on all cylinders as she took an early 4-0 lead. As Gauff inched closer to greatness in the third frame, she let out triumphant roars and animated fist pumps reminiscent of another former teen legend, Tiger Woods. The crowd’s cheers were thunderous as Gauff dominated the frame winning the frame 6-3, securing her place among the all-time greats.

“You electrified Arthur Ashe Stadium and the entire nation,” said President Joe Biden on social media. “The first of more to come and proof that anything is possible if you never give up and always believe.”

Gauff has now won 18 of her last 19 games since changing coaches back in July. During that stretch, she won championships in Washington D.C. and Cincinnati including beating the current number-one ranked woman in the world Iga Swiatek during the Cincinnati tournament. Sabalenka and Gauff are poised to move up to first and third place in the worldwide rankings come Monday after their Open finishes.

“Aryna’s an incredible player, congratulations on the Number One ranking its well-deserved,” said Gauff. “I always tell my team all the time that she’s a really nice person behind the scenes and the competitive fire you bring to the court is something that makes sports better so congratulations to you and your team.”

After losing her first Open final last year in France, which she admitted hit her hard, she spent her second final falling to her knees with tears of joy after the final winning point. Gauff then spent a few moments praying.

“That French open loss was a heartbreak for me but I realize God puts you through tribulations and trials and it makes this moment even more sweeter than I can imagine,” said Gauff. “I don’t pray for results, I just ask for the strength to give it my all and whatever happens, happens.”

Sabalenka committed 46 total unforced errors during the match as the boisterous pro-Gauff crowd started to get to the Belarusian star as she watched her title hopes slip away after a sizable lead. She averaged ten unforced forehand errors through her first six matches but had 27 against Gauff.

“I’m definitely going for a drink tonight if I’m allowed to say that,” said Sabalenka during the post-match press conference.

Before taking the podium to receive her first-place trophy and check for three million dollars, she Facetimed her brother from the court and then ran up into the stands to embrace her parents.

“Thank you first to my parents, today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry but he got caught in 4K,” said Gauff. “I will never forget that moment ever, it means so much to me truly. I’m so happy, that man has supported me through so much. I’m so happy for his support.”

After accepting her prize money and trophy from King, she had a final message to the crowd for all her naysayers. 

“To those who thought you were putting water to my fire, you were really adding gas to it and now I’m really burning so bright right now,” said an emotional Gauff before she exited the stage.

Gauff was scheduled to play in the San Diego Open, which began this weekend but after her title, she announced she’s skipping the event. Her next tournament will be the WTA Guadalajara Open, which begins September 17th at the Akron Stadium in Jalisco, Mexico.