US Open 2023: Gauff Triumphs Over Muchova; Sabalenka Edges Past Keys
Coco Gauff, the American teenager, secured her place in the US Open singles final with a victory over Karolina Muchova. Gauff, aged 19, won 6-4, 7-5, in a semi-final match that was disrupted for 49 minutes by climate protesters advocating for the end of fossil fuels. Despite the interruption, Gauff’s determination shone through as she set up a final clash against second seed Aryna Sabalenka.
During the interruption, protesters halted the game with chants, and one of them glued himself to the floor of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Security eventually removed three of the protesters, but it took longer to deal with the fourth, and all four were taken into custody by the New York Police Department.
In the second semi-final, Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka managed to overcome Madison Keys with a comeback victory, preventing an all-American final showdown. Sabalenka triumphed 0-6, 7-6 (7-1), and 7-6 (10-5).
For Coco Gauff, this will be her second attempt to win a Grand Slam singles final, having previously been a runner-up at the 2022 French Open. In her semi-final match against Muchova, she demonstrated her mental fortitude by sealing victory after a gruelling 40-shot rally.
Gauff’s resilience and determination have been evident throughout her career, and she has established herself as a young talent with immense potential. She expressed her gratitude to the crowd for their support and signalled that her job was not yet finished.
The American teenager has enjoyed a remarkable North American hard-court season, winning significant singles titles in Washington and Cincinnati, which prepared her well for the US Open. Her victory over Muchova marked her as the youngest American woman to reach a home Grand Slam final since Serena Williams in 1999.
Despite the disruptions and challenges, Coco Gauff continues to thrive on the tennis court and is now on the brink of achieving her dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion while still in her teenage years.