Izuchukwu Okosi
American teenager Coco Gauff late Saturday night won her first grand slam title in phenomenal style as she scooped the 2023 US Open following her great fightback to defeat Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
The 18-year-old started on a rather slow note but rallied back at the delirious Arthur Ashe Stadium to clinch a 2-6 6-3 6-2 win.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe victory went a long way in enhancing the potential she had showed over the past few years.
Gauff was philosophical as she reflected over the win in New York.
“I feel like I’m in a little bit of shock at the moment,” Gauff said.
“I feel like God puts you through tribulations and trials and that makes this even sweeter,” added the American, who lost in her only other major singles final at the 2022 French Open.
“I’m thankful for this moment. I don’t have any words.”
Australian Open champion Sabalenka’s wait for a second major title continues after the defeat on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Belarusian can at least console herself with the knowledge she will become the world number one for the first time.
Gauff will rise to a career-high third when the latest rankings are released on Monday.
Gauff, overcome with emotion, made a heart sign to the fans before going up to the stands to see her parents Corey and Candi.
All three hugged and jumped in a circle as the family’s sacrifices and hard work had resulted in one of the sport’s biggest prizes.
From teenage phenomenon to Grand Slam champion
Since Gauff burst on to the scene as a 15-year-old phenomenon at Wimbledon in 2019, there have been expectations she would eventually become a Grand Slam champion.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
