In an electrifying showdown at the U.S. Open on September 9, 2023, American teenage sensation Coco Gauff delivered a stunning comeback performance, overcoming the Belarusian second seed, Aryna Sabalenka, with a final score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. This remarkable victory marked Gauff’s maiden Grand Slam title, firmly establishing her as an icon in American tennis.
Seeded sixth, the 19-year-old Gauff drew strength from the thunderous support of the local crowd, igniting her resurgence during the second set and carrying that momentum to seize the championship. In a memorable moment, she collapsed onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium court, overwhelmed with emotion, after sealing the title with a remarkable backhand winner.
Sabalenka, who had initially dominated the match, found herself unable to maintain her momentum as unforced errors accumulated. Her 2023 Grand Slam campaign, which included triumph at the Australian Open and appearances in the semi-finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, concluded on a disappointing note.
Reflecting on her triumph, Gauff remarked, “It doesn’t get more dramatic than that, to be honest.” This victory was particularly significant for her, considering her previous defeat in a major final at Roland Garros the year before.
The match witnessed early nerves from both players, with Gauff conceding a break in the opening game due to unforced errors. Nevertheless, Gauff’s determined fightback captivated the crowd, becoming the first American teenager to reach the U.S. Open singles final since Serena Williams in 2001. Sabalenka, despite the deafening cheers for Gauff, displayed her formidable forehand to secure crucial breaks.
However, the tide began to shift in the second set, with Gauff displaying newfound resolve, staving off break points and ultimately reversing the course of the match. The once lopsided contest transformed into a fierce battle as Gauff elevated her intensity, forcing Sabalenka into errors and double faults.
The third set saw Gauff breaking early, bolstered by an overhead smash, and maintaining her composure despite Sabalenka’s brief medical timeout. Gauff managed to regain her rhythm, winning back a break in a thrilling 20-shot rally, securing her victory to the delight of the ecstatic crowd.
In an emotional scene, Gauff hugged her opponent before celebrating with her parents in the stands. She described her feelings, saying, “The whole time I was saying to myself, ‘Oh, my goodness, how is this real?'” This win had been long-awaited and fulfilled the enormous expectations that had followed her since she became the youngest-ever Wimbledon main draw qualifier at just 15 years old.
In retrospect, Gauff acknowledged the pressures she faced, revealing, “People were putting a lot of pressure on me to win. I felt that at 15 I had to win a slam at 15.” However, she has managed to navigate the challenges and rise to the occasion, showcasing her talent and resilience.
The 2023 U.S. Open marked 50 years of equal prize money at the tournament, and tennis pioneer Billie Jean King presented Gauff with the coveted trophy. Sabalenka, despite her disappointment, expressed her desire for more finals against Gauff, hoping for different outcomes.
This remarkable victory at the U.S. Open solidified Coco Gauff’s place as an American tennis sensation, and her journey continues to inspire fans around the world.
