Coco’s Grand Slam championship success is a reward and testament to her hard work, perseverance, never-say-die attitude and above all, a true family support and sacrifice. These traits enable her to conquer mountains and defy odds - despite playing in a white-dominated sport.
The 19-year-old tennis sensation won the hearts of the world after her historic run to the U.S. Open title – becoming the youngest American to win a Grand Slam title since Serena Williams won the U.S. Open in 1999.
There has been an outpouring of congratulatory messages from some of the world’s prominent personalities including current and past presidents of the United States. Bill Clinton, President Joe Biden, and the Obama family; Barack and Michelle who both attended the opening night of Coco’s impressive title run in New York, have described her victory as incredible and historic.
As a passionate supporter of Coco who attended her every single match since she first made her U.S. Open debut in 2019, at the age of just 15, I couldn’t be luckier to have witnessed history being made in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, September 9, 2023. I’m even prouder of her achievement having keenly followed her career progression from the moment she burst into the scene with that famous victory over Venus Williams at Wimbledon as a 15-year-old phenom. But nothing comes close to the emotions of seeing Coco lift her first Grand Slam title in her home country. As I made my way into Coco’s player box to join the team which includes her parents Candi, Corey and her Auntie Joi Odom Grant, immediately she won the final match against Aryna Sabalenka, in celebration of such a historic moment, I could clearly see an overwhelming feelings of joy and excitement all over the place. Twenty-five thousand New York crowd erupted in massive celebrations to embrace one of the most historic moments in the history of the sport.
Considering that this moment came just three days after Coco gave me a signed yellow hat bearing her famous signature, everything feels unbelievable. Coco held my cellphone in her hands and have me posed for a selfie in appreciation of my support. Moments like these further demonstrate Coco’s humility, appreciative nature and connection to her fans and supporters all around the world. This special moment will be remembered forever.
Coco’s parents Mrs Candi and Mr. Corey Gauff deserved special mention for raising this incredible champion. If you meet them in person, you can’t help but admire and appreciate them in the unique way they’ve rallied support behind their daughter as she continued to chase a Grand Slam title which ultimately came to fruition over the weekend. They have continuously supported their daughter from the moment they introduced her to tennis at the age of 4, and later sent her to France to develop her skills when Coco was only ten years old. That was not the only tough family decision Coco’s parents have made in the process of nurturing and developing her tennis skills. Both Candi and Corey had to quit their job in order to focus on Coco’s career, thereby creating a conducive environment for her to be successful in tennis. This moment is a true reflection of their remarkable parenting, undying commitment, dedication and endless personal sacrifices that was put into Coco’s career development over the years.
However, Coco’s Grandparents Eddie “Red” and Yvonne Odom, uncle Eddie Odom, Aunty Joi Odom Grant, Coco’s two brothers, Codey & Cameron, the rest of the family members and team have done an outstanding job in helping her win this title. I have interacted with these amazing men and women of impeccable characters during Coco’s tournaments these past four years. They’re the perfect embodiment of a true family unity and kindness.
Coco’s reputation as a true champion on and off the court is worthy of emulation. She’s a great role model for the aspiring young people who look up to her for inspiration.
At such a tender age, she’s already an established athlete and an ambassador of women’s. She has won six WTA tour singles titles - winning her first trophy in Austria in 2019 at the age of 15 - becoming the youngest title winner since 2004. She went onto win five more career singles titles, and eight doubles titles – five partnering with Jessica Pegula and three with former doubles partner Caty McNally from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Having an American champion at the U.S. Open for the first time since 2017 and the first teenager since 1999, makes this moment truly historic for the entire country and the world at large.
It is Coco’s turn to re-write history and put her name in the same statistics as Serena Williams whom she grew up idolizing and have always credited Mrs Williams and her older sister Venus Williams for their role in creating a pathway for her to play tennis.
I’m extremely hopeful that this success is the beginning of many more accomplishments for Coco.
She’s an incredibly talented young athlete with a strong family and team support. I can’t wait to see what’s next for my favorite athlete as she continues to chase more Grand Slam titles in her quest to become the greatest athlete of all-time.
Lamin Drammeh, multiple award winning journalist and former sports Editor, The Point Newspaper.
