Roger Federer praises Coco Gauff after “inspirational” US Open victory

NEW YORK—Amid the wave of congratulations to newly-minted Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff comes high praise from tennis’ very own Roger Federer, who published a heart-warming social media post after the American teenager hoisted the US Open trophy on Saturday.

Inspirational win @cocogauff 🎉,” wrote Federer, who played his final match last fall at Laver Cup. “Been watching your 🎾 and following you for years. Your hard work and mental toughness is great for our sport. You shine brighter than ever🌟”

Gauff has indeed been part of Federer’s orbit since beginning her already-iconic tennis career, having signed to his TEAM 8 agency before making her professional debut in 2019.

Still just 19 years old, the teenager has been a hot prospect since becoming the youngest US Open girl’s singles finalist in history, finishing runner-up in 2017 at just 13 years old.

She played and won her first WTA match less than two years later and has been a fixture on the pro tour ever since, reaching her first major final and cracking the Top 10 last year. Seeded No. 6 at the US Open, she rallied from a set down to defeat No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka to win her first major.

“It’s Team 8, period,” Gauff said on her Instagram Live Sunday afternoon.