The record-breaking exploits of tennis player Coco Gauff have caught the attention of former U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady, Michelle.
Gauff, just 19 years old, was briefly ranked No. 4 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and world No. 1 doubles, both in 2022.
On Monday, Gauff nabbed a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win over Laura Siegeman during the first round of the U.S. Open. Barack and Michelle were at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night and were present for Gauff’s victory.
Her latest performance earned her the praise of both President Obama and his wife. They even offered her some advice.
“I wasn’t sure they were here or not. I saw the Secret Service. I didn’t know if it was Mr. Biden and Mrs. Biden. I knew it was somebody. Then I heard that maybe Mr. Clinton was coming. I didn’t know who exactly it was. So I didn’t know until after the match,” Gauff said via The Associated Press.
“I didn’t see them in the presidential box,” Gauff said about the Obamas. “I was obviously looking at that, but they weren’t, I guess, in my eyeline. But afterward, they told me they wanted to say hi.”
Gauff was still soaking the moment in, as he acknowledged that she was starstruck seeing the Obamas. She said that she was glad she got to meet them and they gave her some good advice, as well. They applauded Gauff for sticking up for herself, as the match got a bit contentious with Gauff complaining about Siegemund taking extra time between points and her subsequent delay tactics.
The Obamas are huge tennis fans and were at the U.S. Open last year as well.
[AP]
