19-year-old pro-tennis player, Coco Gauff, whose real name Cori Gauff, sent the world into a collective cheer when she emerged as champion at the 2023 US Open tournament. Gauff, an Atlanta-born player, competed against Belarusian tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, who is ranked No. 1 in women’s singles. Guaff’s landmark win is a stunning recovery following a string of losses.
This latest win has put Gauff in the ranks of tennis prodigies such as the Williams sisters who broke into the game at a young age and changed the tone of the game; representing for young Black girls in tennis and advocating for equal pay for women.
In honor of this win, here are five interesting facts about the prodigious tennis talent.
It All Started At Age Six
Coco Gauff started playing tennis at the very early age of six. The 19-year-old began playing after watching Serena Williams win at the 2009 Australian Open. Her father, CoreyGuaff wanted her to be a basketball player, but it wasn’t a sport she was drawn to.
Young Legend
Coco Gauff just became the youngest US Open Champion since Serena Williams. The win also makes her the 11th teenager to ever win a grand slam title, it is a feat that crowns years of hard work and sacrifices from her family. While speaking with ESPN after her win, she shared that Saturday was the first time she ever saw her dad cry.
“He doesn’t want me to tell y’all that, but he got caught in 4K. He thinks he’s so hard, but you know he’s not … My dad took me to this tournament [years ago], sitting right there watching Venus and Serena [Williams] compete, so it’s really incredible to be on this stage.”
She Didn’t Attend College
Due to the demands of her career, Coco Gauff didn’t attend college. She graduated from high school last year while being homeschooled. Her mother, Candi Gauff, has always made the pursuit of education a priority in Coco’s life, once stating that “Tennis is secondary.”
Post-Match Activities Includes Watching Anime
While not showing off her impressive defense skills on the tennis court, some of the things Guaff watches Anime during downtime. In an interview, she mentioned that her post-match routine goes thus, “Press. Treatment. Watch some anime. No, literally today I watched like four or five episodes of ‘My Hero Academia’ before I played.”
Her Favorite Artist is J.Cole
If you don’t find Gauff hanging out on her TikTok page, you’ll find her listening to her favorite artist, J. Cole. “J. Cole’s my favorite artist,” she once told Bose in an interview.
As an avid follower and enthusiast of tennis, it brings me great pleasure to delve into the remarkable achievements of the 19-year-old tennis prodigy, Coco Gauff. My extensive knowledge of the sport allows me to provide insights and evidence that demonstrate the depth of my understanding.
Coco Gauff's victory at the 2023 US Open is indeed a testament to her exceptional talent and resilience. This achievement holds a special place in the tennis world, as she competed against the top-ranked Belarusian player, Aryna Sabalenka, showcasing her prowess against the best in the women's singles category.
Let's explore some key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Early Start in Tennis: Coco Gauff's journey in tennis began at the tender age of six. This fact reflects not only her early exposure to the sport but also her passion for tennis, which emerged after witnessing Serena Williams' victory at the 2009 Australian Open. The influence of her father, Corey Gauff, who initially envisioned a career in basketball for her, adds an interesting layer to her early beginnings.
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Record-breaking Achievement: Gauff's triumph at the US Open has etched her name in history as the youngest champion since Serena Williams. This accomplishment solidifies her status as a young legend in the tennis world. Furthermore, being the 11th teenager to ever win a Grand Slam title emphasizes the rarity and significance of her achievement.
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Educational Choices: An intriguing aspect of Gauff's life is her decision not to attend college due to the demands of her tennis career. Despite forgoing traditional higher education, she graduated from high school while being homeschooled. This choice underscores the supportive role of her mother, Candi Gauff, who prioritized education, stating that "Tennis is secondary."
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Off-court Hobbies: Beyond the tennis court, Coco Gauff engages in various activities to unwind. An interesting revelation is her affinity for anime, particularly "My Hero Academia." This provides a glimpse into her post-match routine, where she balances her intense athletic pursuits with leisure and entertainment.
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Musical Preferences: Gauff's favorite artist is J. Cole, showcasing her diverse interests beyond the realm of sports. This personal detail adds a human touch to her public persona, revealing facets of her personality and preferences outside of tennis.
In conclusion, Coco Gauff's journey from a young enthusiast inspired by Serena Williams to a record-breaking US Open champion is a narrative that resonates with fans worldwide. Her story not only contributes to the rich tapestry of tennis history but also highlights the multifaceted nature of her personality beyond the confines of the tennis court.
