After Coco Gauff became the first American woman to win the US Open since 2017 with her victory over Aryna Sabalenka, she received a very special message online from former president, Barack Obama.
“Congratulations to US Open champion, Coco Gauff! We couldn’t be prouder of you on and off the court – and we know the best is yet to come” Obama posted on X Saturday evening.
Congratulations to US Open champion, @CocoGauff! We couldn’t be prouder of you on and off the court – and we know the best is yet to come.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 9, 2023
The 2023 US Open was Gauff’s first career Grand Slam win, as her second-highest finish in a Grand Slam event was when she was the runner-up in the 2022 French Open, falling to Iga Switek in the final.
The 2023 US Open was also seen as a bit of a redemption for Gauff, who reached the event’s quarterfinals last year before losing in straight sets to Caroline Garcia.
At just 19 years old, Gauff became the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999. Gauff has stated numerous times that both Venus and Serena Williams are her idols and her inspirations on the tennis court.
With the 2023 Grand Slam schedule now being over, Gauff’s attention now turns to January’s Australian Open. Gauff made the fourth round of the 2023 Australian Open before falling to Jelena Ostapenko.
Just ten women have completed a career Grand Slam. With Gauff capturing the 2023 US Open, she is officially a quarter of the way there.