Coco Gauff was loved by the world’s biggest stars after winning the U.S. Open on Sunday. Tennis legend Serena Williams was among those to congratulate the 19-year-old on her huge achievement.
“Ahhhhh!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!! @cocogauff,” Williams wrote on her Instagram Story, posting a photo of the young star.
Gauff paid tribute to Serena and Venus Williams as he celebrated his U.S. Open title, Tennis 365 reported.
“Crazy. They’re the reason I got this trophy today,” she said. “To be honest, they made me believe in the dream. Growing up, there weren’t a lot of black tennis players dominating the sport. “That was really when I was younger, they were the only ones I can remember. “
More idols praised Gauff on her big day. Tennis legend Roger Federer said Gauff’s victory was encouraging.
“Always looking at you And follow you for many years. It’s great to see so much hard work and enthusiasm paying off. You shine brighter than ever. ” Federer wrote as he posted a side-by-side photo of Gauff lifting the U.S. Open trophy and another photo taken with the star years ago.
inspirational victory @cocogoff 🎉,
I have been following you for many years🎾. It’s great to see so much hard work and enthusiasm paying off.
You shine brighter than ever🌟#TEAM8 pic.twitter.com/BmtEnOz9O0— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 10, 2023
Michelle Obama also took to social media to congratulate the champion.
“proud of you, @cocogoff! Your hard work and perseverance showed throughout the competition. “This is your moment!” the former first lady tweeted.
proud of you, @cocogoff! Your hard work and perseverance showed throughout the competition. This is your moment! 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/WBeqiaIrTk
—Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 9, 2023
Renowned attorney Ben Crump encouraged Goff to cherish this unforgettable moment.
“19 years old Coco Gough won her first grand slam title @USOpen! ” Crump tweeted. “She is now the youngest American to win the championship since Serena Williams in 1999! This is your moment – cherish it!congratulations @cocogauff. “
Coco Gauff, 19, wins her first Grand Slam title in tennis @USOpen! She is now the youngest American to win the title since Serena Williams in 1999! This is your moment – cherish it!congratulations @cocogoff 👏🏾🎾 pic.twitter.com/PlURCINXlo
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) September 9, 2023
According to Tennis 365, Goff is the 14th American woman to win the U.S. Open. The young star said she was honored to be among the list of winners, which includes black icons such as the Williams sisters, Sloane Stephens and Naomi Osaka.
“It’s an honor to be included in this statistic. Along with Althea Gibson, Serena, Venus, Naomi and Sloane,” she said. “They paved the way for me to get here. I remember Sloan winning this trophy in 2017. I lost in the U.S. Junior Open final and seeing her win was an inspiring moment for me, Because I grew up watching her and I’ve known Sloane since I was 10 years old.”