Coco Gauff, the 19-year-old tennis sensation, mounted a remarkable comeback to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.
The electrifying match took place in front of a sold-out crowd of 28,143 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, a place that held special meaning for Gauff, where she had once watched the Williams sisters.
In a touching tribute to her idols, Gauff expressed how the Williams sisters' legacy had inspired her to dream big, acknowledging their trailblazing role as Black tennis players.
Gauff recognized that her tennis heroes, the Williams sisters, were instrumental in making her own dreams more attainable by paving the way for diversity in the sport.
The 19-year-old champion also acknowledged those who doubted her talent, emphasizing that their skepticism only fueled her determination and drive.
Notably, Coco Gauff's victory marked a historic moment as she became the first American teenager to clinch the US Open title since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 1999.
The victory coincided with the 50th anniversary of the US Open, an event renowned for its commitment to equal pay for both men and women in sports.
Gauff's remarkable journey included becoming the youngest qualifier in Wimbledon history and reaching the fourth round during her Grand Slam debut in 2019.
Despite facing setbacks, including a tough loss at the previous year's French Open, Gauff made a triumphant return, winning titles in Washington and Cincinnati.
Coco Gauff's win not only solidified her status as a rising tennis star but also celebrated the enduring legacy of pioneers like the Williams sisters.