Coco Gauff pays tribute to her family in a heartfelt speech after US Open victory – and especially to dad Corey
- Coco Gauff paid tribute to her longtime coach and father, Corey, after the game
- Gauff mentioned Williams’ sister, whom she once came to see in New York
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New US Open winner Coco Gauff has paid tribute to her family after her maiden Grand Slam triumph against Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday evening.
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 ran into the stands after her win at Flushing Meadows and hugged both Corey and her mother, Candi, among others.
‘First of all, thanks to my parents. Today was the first time I saw my father,” she said.
“He doesn’t want me to tell you, but he got caught in 4K. He thinks he’s so difficult. Thanks guys. You believed in me from the beginning.”
Coco Gauff won her first Grand Slam title with a three-set win vs. Aryna Sabalenka in NYC
After securing the US Open title, Gauff went to hug her father Corey (pictured hugging)
Candi and Corey Gauff attended their daughter’s amazing performance in Flushing, NY
One of Gauff’s brothers clearly doesn’t believe in having his phone with him at all times after failing to answer the US Open champion’s FaceTIme call after victory.
“I FaceTimed my brother and he didn’t answer,” she revealed, but Gauff did admit that he tried to call back but she was unable to answer prior to the ceremony.
Gauff also mentioned the pioneers before her, including the Williams sisters and later Billie Jean-King.
“I come to this tournament, my father took me to this tournament… where I saw Venus and Serena (Williams) compete. So it’s really incredible to be on this stage.’
In an interview with ESPN later Friday, Gauff had more moving words for her father.
Prior to her own career, Gauff had attended the Flushing Meadows slam to celebrate Williams’
“He was the first person I saw,” Gauff said after winning the Slam. ‘That moment. I’ll never forget that. I’m so happy. That man has supported me so much.
“People were always trying to tear us apart, saying he didn’t need to be in my box or he didn’t need to coach me anymore. They don’t know he’s the reason I won this match.”
Earlier this week, a video emerged of an eight-year-old Gauff dancing at the 2012 US Open.
Fast forward 11 years, and now many young girls would have danced as Gauff kissed her first Grand Slam title.