Gauff Tells Critics 'You Added Gas To My Fire' After US Open Triumph

| by Nurein Ahmed

Coco Gauff's stunning US Open success was equally as impressive as her articulated message during the post-match trophy presentation.

The 19-year-old came up full circle at Flushing Meadows, rising to the occasion in front of a sold-out crowd. She recovered from a set down to defeat new WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win a maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open.

Gauff, who won the two biggest titles of her career before the fortnight in New York, put a capstone to this year's US swing, by becoming the first American teenager to win her home Slam in over two decades - emulating her childhood idol Serena Williams.

Gauff spared words of wisdom during her victory speech to those who doubted her success. When she won her first WTA 500 in Washington a month ago, they thought she would stop at that. And only a few weeks later she would land her first WTA 1000 trophy in Cincinnati.

Coco Gauff Set To Become Highest-Ranked American After US Open Triumph
Coco Gauff Set To Become Highest-Ranked American After US Open Triumph

Against the backdrop of such impressive results, Gauff's haters still wrote off her chances of winning her first Grand Slam title, particularly after she was paired to meet top seed Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals. That matchup didn't come to fruition and Gauff romped to her first final at the US Open where she fired back at her critics with a performance of courage and steely resolve.

"A couple of things I want to say. Honestly, thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me. A month ago I won a 500 title and people said I’d stop at that. Two weeks ago I won a 1000 title and people said that was as big as it was going to get. Three weeks later, I’m here with this trophy right now (laughing)."

"I tried my best to carry this with grace and doing my best. Honestly, to those who thought were putting water on my fire, you're really adding gas to it. And now I'm really burning so bright right now."

Coco Gauff Becomes Youngest American Since Serena Williams To Win US Open
Coco Gauff Becomes Youngest American Since Serena Williams To Win US Open

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