American Coco Gauff, 19, won her first Grand Slam title, after taking the U.S. Open women’s singles title in three sets against Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus.
Gauff won 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to become only the third American teen to win the final grand slam of the year, joining the ranks of Serena Williams and Tracy Austin. The last time an American woman won the tournament was in 2017 when Sloane Stephens bested fellow American Madison Keys.
“I feel like I’m a little bit in shock in this moment,” Gauff said during on-court remarks following the win,” adding: “I’m just thankful for this moment, I don’t have any words for it, to be honest.”
After winning, Gauff ran into the stands to hug her parents, coach, and other guests in her player’s box. Gauff said today was the first time she’s ever seen her father The teen also made a pointed statement to the naysayers, saying, “Thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me.”
The championship match marked the first appearance by both athletes in a U.S. Open final. Gauff, the No. 6 seed, was the first American teenager to compete in the U.S. Open women’s final since then-19-year-old Serena Williams faced off against her older sister, Venus Williams, in 2001.