Coco Gauff announces arrival by winning 2023 US Open over Sabalenka

Coco Gauff put the cherry on top of a sensational summer, defeating upcoming world number one Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to win her first major title. In front of a vociferous US Open crowd full of tennis legends and celebrities, Gauff overcame her nerves and Sabalenka’s power to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The biggest question mark going into the final was how would Coco Gauff’s forehand hold up. In the first set, it didn’t. Sabalenka targeted Coco Gauff’s forehand in the first set and Gauff faltered. Sabalenka’s pace can be suffocating, and it seemed as if the occasion may be too big for Gauff.

In a turning point, Gauff saved break points in her opening service game of the second set. Gauff started to rely on her speed and patience, forcing Sabalenka to hit more and more shots. Gauff started to hit her forehand with more conviction, and it was Sabalenka’s forehand that broke down.

Coco Gauff’s forehand and nerves hold up at the US Open

After grinding through the second set, Coco Gauff stormed out to a 4-1 lead in the third set. At that point, she grew tentative again, as Sabalenka broke relatively easily. However, Gauff went into a Djokovic-esque lockdown mode and prevented any late surge from her opponent.

Match point was a perfect example of how the match was won. Gauff chased down a couple of bombs from Sabalenka, made her play a difficult volley, and hit a passing shot winner.

Coco lives up to the hype

It’s hard to articulate the pressure placed on Coco Gauff since she burst onto the tour at such a young age. After match point, Gauff broke into tears and hit the ground in a display of how much this title meant to her.

Gauff was handed the trophy by the legendary Billie Jean King, who recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of equal prize money at the US Open. People will now wonder how many more major titles Gauff will get her hands on.