New US Open champion Coco Gauff said the pressure of winning her first Grand Slam title had been taken off but the 19-year-old was “hungry for more”.
Gauff rallied from a set down to defeat Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka and claim her first Grand Slam title in front of adoring home fans.
His victory at Flushing Meadows was Gauff’s 12th in a row and 18th in his past 19 matches, a run that began after a first-round exit at Wimbledon in July.
The win capped years of expectations that had been placed on the shoulders of the young American after he became the youngest person to qualify for the main draw at the All England Club at the age of 15.
After losing to Iga Swiatak in the final of the French Open last year, she found a new gear, producing the best tennis of her career when she won in Washington and captured her first WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati, in has never been the first American to win. won a US Open singles title since Sloane Stephens in 2017.
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Highlights of the US Open final between Gauff and Sabalenka
“At the French Open moment, I watched Iga lift the trophy, and I watched him the whole time. I said to myself ‘I will not take my eyes off him’, because I want I can feel what it feels like to him,” Gauff said.
“I think people put a lot of pressure on me to win. I feel that at 15 I should have won a Slam at 15. I don’t think that’s the mistake, because everything led to this moment so that nothing there are mistakes.
“I think the pressure is off a little bit, and I’m still hungry for more. I’m just going to enjoy it and try not to look to the future.”
Gauff followed in the footsteps of Althea Gibson, Serena and Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens and Naomi Osaka to become the latest black woman to win the title in New York and now she wants to continue the legacy.
“I remember Sloane winning this trophy in 2017 and I lost in the juniors. It’s an inspiring moment to see him win because I grew up watching him and I’ve known Sloane since I was 10 years old, ” said Gauff.
“Obviously Serena and Venus, words can’t describe what they mean to me. I hope I’m a continuation of a legacy. I hope another girl sees this and believes they can do it and hopefully their name will be put on it. trophy too.”
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Gauff said it was ‘meaningful’ to lift the US Open trophy in front of his home crowd, and thanked his doubters for giving him extra motivation
After hugging his opponent, Gauff cried and hugged his parents in the stands.
It was a reminder that “dreams come true” with Gauff unable to put his victory into words but instead using Alicia Keys as his inspiration, adding: “There is a song lyric that I want to use for my Instagram caption. It goes, “Concrete jungle, where dreams are made. Yes, that’s a real lyric. New York City is the city where dreams are made.”
Sabalenka will finally see her name atop the world rankings on Monday, and she wants it to stay there.
“It’s good that I can say I’m number one in the world, but I want to end the year as number one in the world,” Sabalenka said.
“That’s why I’m still positive and I’m still motivated.”
Tennis is back on Sky Sports
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Roger Federer has displayed his unique through-the-leg ‘tweener’ shots on several occasions at the US Open
Tennis returns to Sky, adding to the existing sports portfolio and reaffirming the broadcaster as the home of live sport in the UK and Ireland.
Sky Sports’ new mixed reality studio features several custom built LED screens, integrated light ‘sabres’, and an open canopy roof, making the space come alive with color and energy to reflect the excitement of the last Grand Slam in year.
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Rafael Nadal hits a stunning all-around shot against Marin Cilic in 2019, much to Tiger Woods’ delight
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Relive the rollercoaster career of Andy Murray at the US Open, where he won his first major title in 2012.
With integrated AR capabilities, a versatile LED floor, and a ‘fourth wall’, the viewer will be transported to Arthur Ashe Stadium in a 360-degree immersive environment. Our tennis experts will take the viewer through the eyes of the players for expert Hawkeye analysis and insight as the tournament unfolds.
The technology involved allows us to add a whole new dimension and bring customers closer to the action.
Highlights of the matches will be available on Sky Sports TV and our social media platforms.
Video highlights are also available on the Sky Sports website and app, where there is also a daily live text commentary on the Sky Sports website and app, as well as live scores, reports, analysis and features.
Stream the US Open on Sky Sports NOW. Cancel anytime.
