U.S. President Joe Biden joined the gaudy list of politicians in congratulating Coco Gauff who won a maiden Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open.
Gauff defied the odds to become the youngest American US Open champion since 1999 after she came from behind to beat second seed Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. It is the first Grand Slam win of her career, and it came hot on the heels of her finest winning run on the WTA Tour.
Gauff, who had won two of her biggest WTA titles during the tuneup events, sent pulses racing when she reached the championship match, in a match she was instilled as the underdog in many people's eyes. But her stoicism and resilience won the day, as Gauff overcame a slow start to win the title.
President Biden joined past politicians in hailing Gauff's extraordinary landmark, and her ability to thrill the crowd. Biden lauded the teenager's self-drive and belief and hoped it would be the first of many more titles in a post from the official POTUS handle on X.
"Congrats to U.S. Open Champion Coco Gauff. You electrified Arthur Ashe Stadium and the entire nation – the first of more to come and proof that anything is possible if you never give up and always believe. You’ve made America so proud."
Gauff received a paycheck worth $3 million for her winning the title, taking her career prize money earned past the $10 million mark. She's also the second-highest prize money earner in 2023, eclipsing Iga Swiatek, and sitting only behind Sabalenka.
In addition to prize money, Gauff will soar to a new career-high ranking on Monday, taking over as the World No. 3 and USA's top-ranked player across both tours. She is also half of WTA's co-ranked doubles No. 1 player.
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