She was already in the spotlight but her notoriety has just exploded, after her victory at the age of 19 in the final of the US Open, Saturday September 9. Coco Gauff assures her, she is ready to handle this new level of pressure.
Published on: 09/10/2023 – 7:08 p.m.
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With our correspondent in the United States, David Thomson
An instant global celebrity, and an avalanche of reactions from other global celebrities. This is enough to put pressure on an athlete who is barely 19 years old.
« But I know how to keep my head on my shoulders », assures Coco Gauff after her victory in the US Open final against world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
At the same time, congratulatory messages are pouring in. The biggest names in politics, tennis and the arts are jostling on social networks.
Barack and Michele Obama express their admiration. “ The American nation is electrified and proud “, writes Joe Biden. “ American tennis has a bright future ahead of it », adds Bill Clinton.
Coco Gauff in tears after beating Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open women’s singles final on September 9, 2023, in New York. AP – Manu Fernandez
Coco Gauff is the first woman of this age to win the US Open since her elder Serena Williams, who won it in 1999 at age 17. And the young African-American obviously does not escape the comparison.
Accepting her $3 million victory check, Coco Gauff thanks former world number 1 Billie Jean King for fighting for equal pay in men’s tennis.
Between training and media requests, Coco Gauch’s head will work like a wringer, warns Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli, who won Winbledon in 2013.
But Coco Gauch has been in the spotlight since her first Winbledon at the age of 15. She is ready to handle all of this, confirms her trainer. And it will only get better, he says.
Read alsoTennis: Gauff beats Sabalenka at the US Open and wins his first Grand Slam tournament
