Congratulations to U.S. Open Champion Coco Gauff, who clapped back at haters on the sidelines after winning her first Grand Slam Title: “To those who thought [they] were putting water on my fire, you’re really adding gas to it.”
Source: Tim Clayton – Corbis / Getty
In a stunning Black Girl Magic moment, Coco made history with her victorious comeback over Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s championship match.
About to go throw something on the grill because @cocogauff just won the US Open!
This win marks her first Grand Slam title!
📸: Sarah Stier/ Getty
🎥: @VH1 pic.twitter.com/Ejd2xJjZzC
— Bossip (@Bossip) September 9, 2023
The 19-year-old broke Serena Williams’ record as the youngest U.S. woman to win the Grand Slam. She also joined Althea Gibson, Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens, and the G.O.A.T Serena in the elite club of Black women with the title.
Coco Gauff is grateful for the black champions who came before her:
“It’s an honor to be in that stat with Althea Gibson, Serena, Venus, Naomi, Sloane.. they paved the way for me to be here. I remember Sloane winning this trophy in 2017. I had lost in the final of junior US… pic.twitter.com/JcVsM8VfsQ
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 10, 2023
Coco Gauff says Serena & Venus Williams are the reason she has the US Open trophy today:
“They’re the reason why I have this trophy today. They’ve allowed me to believe in this dream. Growing up, there weren’t too many black tennis players dominating the sport. It was just them… pic.twitter.com/IJN1viI4nx
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 10, 2023
Check out the highlights from Coco’s final match against Sabalenka.
Even Coco’s opponent felt that the entire crowd seemed to be on the Atlanta native’s side during the competition. Although she had overwhelming support going into the match, Coco clocked those who doubted her. In an epic acceptance speech that set the internet ablaze, she thanked the haters fueling her passion even more. Coco also thanked the pioneers who paved the way for her but ultimately said, “I was doing it for myself and not for other people.”
Coco Gauff has a message to nonbelievers after winning US Open:
“Thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me. A month ago I won a 500 title & people said I’d stop at that. 2 weeks ago I won a 1000 title & people said that was as big as it’d get. 3 weeks later, I’m here”❤️ pic.twitter.com/79eLav7WZi
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2023
“Honestly, thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me. A month ago, I won a 500 title and people said I would stop at that. Two weeks ago, I won a 1000 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,” she said in the post game interview.
Coco Gauff has a message to Tennis Twitter:
“I felt like people were like ‘it was all hype.’ I see the comments. People think I don’t see, but I’m very aware of Tennis Twitter. I know y’all’s usernames. I know who’s talking trash. I can’t wait to look on Twitter right now.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/RH6SR05PQv
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 10, 2023
“I tried my best to carry this with grace, and I’ve been doing my best… To those who thought [they] were putting water in my fire, you were really adding gas to ait, and now I’m really burning so bright right now,” she continued.
Hugs all around for the Gauff family! 🤗 pic.twitter.com/OFWxBD2c3j
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2023
Following a humble handshake with Sabalenka, the new champ raced into the stands to embrace her family. Charismatic Coco turned the touching family moment into a hilarious one after the match.
Coco Gauff’s mom the moment she won. 🖤🥰 pic.twitter.com/dSBMhm1WDe
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2023
Coco Gauff: ‘Today is the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry, he doesn’t want me to tell y’all that but he got caught in 4K’ 😂 pic.twitter.com/tQtG2u7U53
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) September 9, 2023
“Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry,” she revealed, putting him on blast. “He doesn’t want me to tell y’all that, but he got caught in 4K. He thinks he’s so hard, but you know he’s not … My dad took me to this tournament [years ago], sitting right there watching Venus and Serena [Williams] compete, so it’s really incredible to be on this stage,” she said.
The World Cheers On Coco Gauff’s U.S. Open Championship & First Grand Slam
Source: Frey/TPN / Getty
Congratulations immediately poured in from fellow tennis legends, celebrities, world leaders, and every corner of the internet. President Biden already extended an invitation for Coco to visit the White House. Check out more of the reactions to Coco Gauff’s U.S. Open win below.
Congratulations, @CocoGauff! Your drive and determination are an inspiration to the millions of little girls watching. I feel confident that while this is your first Major title, it won’t be your last. https://t.co/pdpVNw7bnr
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 9, 2023
What a summer for Coco Gauff. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/btLa3HdFrP
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2023
So proud of you, @CocoGauff! Your hard work and grit was on display throughout this tournament. This is your moment! 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/WBeqiaIrTk
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 9, 2023
This generation is living the dream of the Original 9.
Congratulations, @CocoGauff! 💙 https://t.co/Tl5XlDRi9E
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2023
Congratulations Cocofina @CocoGauff 💖💖💖 my girl you are amazing!!!!
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) September 9, 2023
August 6, 2023 – Coco Gauff wins biggest title of her career
August 20, 2023 – Coco Gauff wins biggest title of her career
September 9, 2023 – Coco Gauff wins biggest title of her career
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) September 9, 2023
like do you understand how impactful it is that Coco Gauff is LITERALLY stepping into the legacy of her idol and mentor Serena Williams?
Like I want to cry and scream and maybe write an op-ed, idk man this is bigger than just a win, this is history on so many different levels. https://t.co/orsDDsO4ti
— Anna Gifty (@itsafronomics) September 9, 2023
The future began today. Congratulations to @CocoGauff on winning her first major championship. 🏆 #WeGotNow pic.twitter.com/nIBMlc3AsE
— New Balance (@newbalance) September 9, 2023
Coco Gauff — wearing the New Balance CG 1, the only signature shoe in women’s tennis — wins the #USOpen 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xoGNIjsXpI
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) September 9, 2023
in one speech coco gauff:
– thanked her opponent
– thanked her family
– thanked her haters
– thanked her coaches
– thanked the behind the scenes tennis workers
– thanked Billie Jean King for fighting for $ equality
– shouted out her dad for crying in 4k
no notes perfect speech
— Matt Ellentuck (@mellentuck) September 9, 2023
World Women’s Tennis: “WHEW, we so GLAD Serena’s ass FINALLY retired …”
CoCo Gauff: Got some bad news for yew …
— Big Lord Bunny Rabbit (@cee_pain) September 9, 2023
World Women’s Tennis: “WHEW, we so GLAD Serena’s ass FINALLY retired …”
CoCo Gauff: Got some bad news for yew …
— Big Lord Bunny Rabbit (@cee_pain) September 9, 2023
“That man has supported me through so much.”
Coco Gauff and her dad Corey, together from the beginning ❤️✊ pic.twitter.com/Kxn3wbcwvA
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 9, 2023
The greatest part about seeing Coco Gauff, Sha’ Carri Richardson and Simone Biles win is that they are being unapologetically Black and not apologizing for being great as Black women.
I LOVE this generation of female athletes.
— @kp_official1 on IG (@kp_official_1) September 10, 2023
Coco Gauff could’ve been a track star in another life.
Few people in the world could track this many balls down from Aryna Sabalenka.
She moves like lightning & just doesn’t run out of energy.
What an athlete this 19 year old is.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2023
Coco Gauff’s championship speech:
pic.twitter.com/ggJ6wDO22U
— Cas (@AO_SW19) September 9, 2023
Congratulations again to U.S. Open and Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff!