Coco Gauff won the first Grand Slam title of her career at the age of just 19 after defeating Aryna Sabalenko in the final of the US Open 2023. The American lost the first set of the match at Arthur Ashe Arena, but withstood the sharp strokes of the future WTA leader, made very few errors and won after two hours and six minutes of play with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Coco GaufPhoto: Frank Franklin II/AP/Profimedia

Coco Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenko in the US Open 2023 final

The first set provided one of the most spectacular points of the season in women’s tennis. Sabalenko walked her opponent all over the field (Gauff got to the ball almost every time) and in the 40th minute won the match with a score of 6:2.

The difference in the second set was provided by a double fault of an athlete from Belarus on a break point by Gauff (2-1). The American took full advantage, saved a break point in the next game and won the match 6-3.

In the first game of the deciding set, Gauff came in time after the tape of the net softened a ball sent by Sabalenka and earned a break with a set.

Aryna was unable to make up for the unforced errors until the score was 4-0, and then canceled a medical timeout after the first victory.

Sabalenka broke again but lost her serve again and Gauff cruised to victory, bringing the crowd in the world’s biggest tennis arena to their feet.

  • Despite losing to Coco Gauff in the final at Flushing Meadows, Aryna Sabalenko will climb to the top of the WTA rankings on Monday (overtaking Poland’s Iga Sviatek).

Highlights of the final between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenko

Who is Coco Gauff, US Open 2023 champion

He has 168 wins and 79 losses in singles (121-53 in doubles). He collected $11,057,463 in tennis prizes alone.

She is 19 years old and as of Monday she is ranked 3rd in the WTA ranking (the best ranking in her career). She was the world leader in doubles (15.08.2022).

Won career tournaments: 6 singles and 8 doubles.

Simple: Linz (2019), Parma (2021), Oakland, Washington, Cincinnati and the US Open (all in 2023). He lost only one final: Roland Garros (2022).

Double: Luxembourg, Washington (2019), Parma (2021), Doha, Toronto, San Diego (2022), Doha and Miami (2023). Lost in last action at US Open (2021), Roland Garros, Stuttgart (2022), Madrid and Rome (2023).

Coco Gauf, an incredible journey to the US Open 2023

Round I: 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 against Laura Siegemund (121 WTA)

II round: 6-3, 6-2 against Mirra Andreeva (63 WTA)

Round III: 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 against Elise Mertens (32 WTA)

Best result: 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 against Caroline Wozniacki (623 WTA)

Quarters: 6-0, 6-2 against Elena Ostapenko (21 WTA)

Semifinals: 6-4, 7-5 against Karolina Muchova (10 WTA)

Final: 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Aryna Sabalenko (2 WTA).