Coco Gauff is the first American teen to win the US Open women’s singles championship since Serena Williams in 2001. She trounced Aryna Sabalenka just two days before the current no. 2 is to be named the World’s No. 1 women’s tennis player by the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association).
Hoisting the winning trophy after receiving it and a three-million-dollar check from tennis legend Billie Jean King, Gauff proceeded to deliver a backhanded thank you to her detractors.
“Thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me. A month ago, I won a 500 title and people said it would stop at that. Two weeks ago, I won a thousand 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.
“I’ve tried my best to carry this with Grace. To those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you were only adding gas to it and now I’m burning so bright right now.”
Coco’s dad could be seen wiping tears of joy from his face in the winner’s box.
“I’ve never seen my dad cry in my entire life!” Coco exclaimed before taking a celebratory lap around the court, trophy held high.