Roger Federer: "What Coco Gauff did at the US Open, I thought was highly special and unique"
Former World No. 1 Roger Federer has showered praise on Coco Gauff for her title run at the 2023 US Open.
Gauff clinched her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows, outclassing World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in a thrilling final.
Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, highlighted Gauff's achievement to laud the current tennis landscape. He said (via Eurosport):
"The current tennis scene looks really good to me, I mean if I look over just quickly to what Coco Gauff did at the US Open, I thought that was highly special and unique," Federer said. "I've known her since five years now, she's incredible."
Hailing from Atlanta, Gauff has enjoyed a stellar year in tennis, boasting an impressive record of 45 victories out of 58 matches. She secured titles at prestigious events like the Auckland Open, Citi Open, Cincinnati Open, and most notably, the 2023 US Open. The American also reached the semifinals in Dubai and Eastbourne, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
Her triumph at the US Open earned Gauff the distinction of being the youngest American to win a Grand Slam title since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 1999. The 19-year-old's outstanding results and achievements throughout the season have also propelled her to the top five of the WTA rankings, currently holding the No. 3 spot in the world.
Federer, who bid farewell to his illustrious career at the 2022 Laver Cup, has a rich history at the US Open, capturing the title five times during his career. He is the only player in the last two decades to successfully defend his title in New York on both the men's and women's sides, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.
"I think the future looks bright, I really enjoy watching and still follow a lot of results" - Roger Federer
Roger Federer remains highly optimistic about the current state of tennis and has shared his continued engagement with the sport's latest developments with his fans.
The Swiss legend recently made an appearance at the 2023 Laver Cup, where he not only interacted with enthusiastic audiences but also closely observed training sessions. His presence in Vancouver, British Columbia, is in anticipation of the thrilling matches between Team World and Team Europe.
In a recent interview with ATP, Roger Federer shed light on the current tennis landscape, emphasizing the remarkable achievements witnessed in the sport's recent history.
The 42-year-old expressed his positive outlook for the future of tennis and highlighted his ongoing involvement in staying updated with the latest happenings in the game.
"I think the future looks bright, and of course the game can always evolve, will always evolve," Roger Federer said. "The good thing is I really enjoy watching and still follow a lot of results."
"When somebody retires like me or Rafael Nadal, then maybe things can be a little dull," he added. "Of course, our fans are still think that way, but overall actually stories are being re-written, with Sabalenka being No. 1, Swiatek who had an incredible run as well. On the men's side, like I mentioned Novak and Alcaraz doing special things, so things are looking good to be quite honest."