Coco Gauff pays tribute to her family in heartfelt speech after US Open victory – and in particular to her father, Corey
- Coco Gauff paid tribute to her longtime coach and father, Corey, after the match
- Gauff mentioned the Williams sister, whom she came to see in New York.
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Newly crowned US Open winner Coco Gauff paid tribute to her family after her maiden Grand Slam triumph over Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday night.
The 19-year-old Floridian was developed by her father, Corey, and he remained her coach until the end of Wimbledon where she hired Brad Gilbert.
Gauff rushed into the stands after her victory at Flushing Meadows, hugging Corey and her mother, Candi, among others.
“Thank you first to my parents. Today was the first time I saw my father,” she said.
“He doesn’t want me to tell you this, but he got caught in 4K.” He thinks he’s so tough. Thanks guys. You believed in me from the start.
Coco Gauff won her first Grand Slam title with a three-set victory over Aryna Sabalenka in New York
After winning the US Open title, Gauff went to hug her father, Corey (pictured hugging)
Candi and Corey Gauff were on hand for their daughter’s stellar performance in Flushing, New York.
One of Gauff’s brothers clearly doesn’t believe in having his phone on him at all times, after failing to answer the US Open champion’s FaceTIme call following the victory.
“I FaceTimed my brother but he didn’t answer,” she revealed, but Gauff admitted he tried to call back but she couldn’t answer before the ceremony .
Gauff also mentioned female pioneers before her, including the Williams sisters, and later Billie Jean-King.
“I’m coming to this tournament, my dad took me to this tournament…watching Venus and Serena (Williams) compete. So it’s really amazing to be on this stage.
In an interview with ESPN on Friday, Gauff had more touching words for his father.
Before his own career, Gauff attended the Flushing Meadows grand slam to watch Williams play.
“He was the first person I saw,” Gauff said after winning the Grand Slam. ‘This moment. I will never forget that. I am so happy. This man has supported me through so many things.
“People have always tried to separate us, saying he doesn’t need to be in my box or he doesn’t need to train me anymore. They don’t know, it’s because of him that I won this match.
Earlier this week, a video emerged showing eight-year-old Gauff dancing at the 2012 US Open.
Eleven years later, many young girls would have danced as Gauff embraced her first Grand Slam title.
