19-year-old Coco Guaff came up victorious in the US Open after a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over second seed Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Guaff had a handful of support from her home crowd, cheering her on to victory as she rallied from a set down to defeat the number two seed. It was a 24,000 crowd.
“I feel like I’m in a little bit of shock at the moment. I feel like God puts you through tribulations and trials and that makes this even sweeter. I just knew if I didn’t give it my all I had no shot at winning. Aryna is an incredible player and deserves to be number one.”
At age 15, Guaff advanced to the third round of the US Open before getting outdone by then-world number one, Naomi Osaka. Four years down the line, She got the better of the soon-to-be world number one to snatch the victory.
The teenager etched her name in the history books becoming the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999 and the 10th teenager to win it all-time.
Guaff became the number one junior in the world after winning the junior 2018 French Open singles title and also won a junior major doubles title at the 2018 US Open and has now come a long way since then.
At the Indian Wells, Guaff lost in the quarterfinals to second seed and eventual runner-up Aryna Sabalenka but made sure to get revenge at the US Open.
Sabalenka congratulated Guaff after the game and acknowledged expecting more titles from the teen sensation in the future.
“I just want to say congrats Coco, you played unbelievably. And to your team. You guys deserve this title. Many more to come I’m pretty sure. I hope we’re going to play many more finals – different result hopefully.”
Guaff had a lot to say to the ‘unbelievers’ after her US Open triumph.
“I want to say ‘thank you’ to the people who didn’t believe in me. A month ago I won a WTA 500 title (in Washington) and people said I would stop at that.
“Two weeks ago I won a 1000 title (in Cincinnati) and people were saying that was the biggest title I would get.
“Three weeks later, I’m here with this trophy right now.
“I tried my best to carry on with grace but, honestly, to those who thought you were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it.
“I’m burning so bright right now.”
Guaff will be the new world number three on Monday when the new rankings are released and will rise to co-number one with Jessica Pegula in doubles. While Sabalenka will rise to world number one on Monday after a fantastic run of matches, unseating Iga Swiatek – a worthy consolation.
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