Coco, triumph and smiles “Dedicated to Haters”

Paolo Grilli

Years of negative comments she has to overcome even though she is still a teenager. But now he can smile and shut everyone up. Cori “Coco” Gauff (pictured) took a huge weight off her shoulders after winning the US Open. These are predestined ones who, however, never achieve much success: with the added responsibility of representing the African-American community, always diligently seeking redemption.

The first victory at the Grand Slam tournament is never forgotten. Imagine if it had then taken shape at her most beloved stadium, her home, the Arthur Ashe, in the stands of which, as a child in love with tennis, she had danced ten years ago.

Coco received compliments from Biden and Obama. She then thanked Venus and Serena Williams. “Because they,” Gauff said, “are the reason why I am here today and why I won this trophy. The two of them allowed me to believe in this dream when I was growing up. There weren’t many black players in tennis at a high level. level Thanks to their heritage, there are now more of them.”

The entire United States was rooting for her. In the stands in the last act of the tournament, where Coco returned and beat the favorite, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, who from today tops the world rankings, there were African-American director Spike Lee, NBA champion Kevin Durant, and actresses. Diane Keaton and Nicole Kidman.

Coco received a check for three million dollars for her success in Flushing Meadows. Obedient and at the same time immediate thanks also to Billie Jean King, champion and winner of equal prizes among men and women in tournaments.

American tennis guru Brad Gilbert now coaches Gauff. But until a few months ago, her father also raised her on the field. “Please stop crying,” she said when she spotted him in the stands.

And then a jab at the inevitable haters. “Five weeks ago,” he said, “I won the WTA 500 and there were those who said I could never have done better. Then a few weeks ago I won the WTA 1000 and there were those who said I wouldn’t do it.” gone far. And today I am here… All of you who wanted to put out my fire with water did nothing but pour gasoline on my brazier, and today I shine with a thousand lights.”