Cori Coco Gauff: It means so much to me that I won here

Cori Coco Gauff is the new US Open champion. The 19-year-old American managed to capture the trophy at the last Grand Slam of the year, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. After the match, she expressed her gratitude to her relatives, to her team, to her fans, but above all to her haters, who did not believe in her, but only motivated her further and instead of extinguishing her flame, threw oil in the fire.

“It means so much to me that I won here. I feel a little shocked at this moment. When I lost Roland Garros it was heartbreaking. But I worked hard and went through all kinds of vicissitudes to get here. That’s why this moment is so sweet. I didn’t pray for an outcome, I just said I’m going to be strong and whatever happens, happens. I’m blessed in this life, I’m just speechless. I don’t know how to describe this moment,”, said Cori Coco Gauff. “I know what I am. Aryna is an amazing player. Congratulations on the first place in the rankings, it is well deserved. I told my team all the time that you are a very nice person behind the scenes. But somewhere you find a great flame that you carry on the court. I want to congratulate not only you, but also your entire team for your work”, said also the American tennis player.

This was the first Grand Slam total for the 19-years-old Coco Gauff, who was also the runner-up at the French Open / Roland Garros 2022.

“Thank you to my parents. It’s the first time I’ve seen my father cry. He thinks it’s something he shouldn’t do. Thank you for believing in me from the beginning. When I first came to the tournament, my father sat there watching Venus and Serena compete. It was amazing. A huge thank you to my team. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I know it’s been a long three weeks, but your faith has always been there. To everyone in the box, thank you too, I don’t know where you came from. Thanks also to my grandparents who are at home. I also want to say hello to my brother. I don’t know what he will say to me, maybe he will call me later. He already I’m calling, but I hung up on him”, said also Cori Coco Gauff. “Finally, I also want to thank everyone who didn’t believe in me. A month ago I won a 500 title, but they said there was no chance for me to achieve anything more. Then I won the Masters 1000, but again they said it was the biggest I can achieve. Three weeks later here I am with this trophy next to me. I gave my best to achieve this growth. Thanks to those who wanted to throw water on the fire but they actually threw fuel on it. Last but not least, thank you New York. You got me through this fire on the court. Your support means a lot to me. Thank you to everyone who organizes the tournament and especially to you Stacey (the tournament director) for always believing in me. To all the pitchers and photographers without whom the tournament wouldn’t exist. Thank you Billie (Billie Jean King) for arranging this check for me”, added she.