Tennis

Coco Gauff shares touching story behind t-shirt dad wore at US Open final

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American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has revealed why her father, Corey, wore a t-shirt reading “imagine” during her US Open final win. The 19-year-old World No. 3 defeated her World No. 1 opponent Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to claim the first Grand Slam title of her career.

Gauff started the final on the back foot after going a set down, 2-6, in the early stages. The American then dug deep to claw the game back 6-3, 6-2 in a dominant display much to the delight of the home crowd at Flushing Meadows.

Following the win Gauff’s family and coaching team in the stands can be seen reacting with joy. Eagled-eyed fans were quick to notice her father wearing a shirt saying ‘imagine’ which Gauff has revealed has an emotional reason behind it.

“For me, he said that he bought it at the beginning of the tournament,” Gauff told the Today Show. “And he said that he had an image that I was going to go and make it to the final and he was going to wear that shirt if I did. 

“And I think, ‘just imagine’. Just imagine if your dreams can come true and you’ve got to just keep working for it.”

Despite the heartwarming message from her father, Guaff couldn’t resist a joke at his expense moments after the win. “Thank you to my parents,” Guaff said on the court.

“Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry. He doesn’t want me to tell y’all that but he got caught in 4K. He thinks he’s so hard but he’s not!”

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Gauff’s win was not only a momentous achievement for herself and her family, it also cemented her place in the history books.

At just 19 years old Gauff claimed the first Grand Slam career win of her career. In the process, she became the youngest American to reach the final of the tournament since Serena Williams back in 1999 – who lifted the prestigious trophy at the age of 17.

The tennis star has missed the Guadalajara Open after taking an extended break following the win and is expected to be back for the China Open, which starts on October 2.

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