- Coco Gauff secures spot in 2023 US Open final with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Karolina Muchova.
- In her on-court interview, the 19-year-old expresses that she has “a lot to celebrate, but the job is not done.”
- Gauff tells Insider that this comment pays homage to the remarkable mentality of the late Kobe Bryant.
NEW YORK — Coco Gauff advances to the 2023 US Open final.
Undoubtedly, the 19-year-old now joins the ranks of the youngest Americans to debut in a US Open final since Serena Williams. Thriving under the immense pressure of tennis’ grandest stage for a span of two weeks is an accomplishment worthy of celebration.
However, Gauff understands the necessity of staying grounded in the present.
After defeating Czech star Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-5 in Thursday night’s semifinal, Gauff recognizes the significance of reaching the final of a tournament she grew up admiring. While she acknowledges that there is already “a lot to celebrate” from her performance in Flushing Meadows, she reminds herself, as well as the audience, that “the job is not done.”
Coco Gauff to the US Open crowd:
“Thank you so much guys. Some of those points it was so loud. I don’t know if my ears are gonna be okay 😂. But be even louder. I grew up watching this tournament.. It means a lot to be in the final. The job is not done.” ❤️
pic.twitter.com/GDipuIK9ct— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter)
September 8, 2023
Gauff confirms in her post-match press conference that she is referencing the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. When a reporter asked Bryant why he appeared unhappy after winning Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals, he famously replied, “What’s there to be happy about?”
“Job’s not finished.”
During her post-match press conference on Thursday, Gauff tells Insider that she aims to embody Bryant’s remarkable mentality as she enters the biggest match of her career. Similar to “The Black Mamba,” who refrains from celebrating when ahead, the young superstar intends to acknowledge her achievements before swiftly moving forward.
“So that’s the mentality that I have,” says Gauff. “I’m trying to enjoy the moment but also understanding that there’s still more work to be done.”
“Yes, reaching the final is an incredible accomplishment,” she adds. “But it’s not something that satisfies me just yet.”
Coco Gauff on referencing Kobe Bryant after reaching her 1st US Open Final:
“He has an incredible mentality. In the NBA Finals when they have a 3-1 lead in the series, he doesn’t celebrate. He’s satisfied. He gives himself a pat on the back. But time to move on. That’s the…
pic.twitter.com/PNdqLnav6r— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter)
September 8, 2023
Gauff, in pursuit of her first Grand Slam title at such a young age, will face Aryna Sabalenka, soon-to-be world No. 1, in Saturday’s final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fans can tune in to witness the excitement at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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