Coco Gauff has made history by becoming the first American teenager since Serena Williams to reach the US Open quarterfinals in consecutive years.
Gauff reached the quarterfinals of the US Open last year, where she lost to Caroline Garcia of France in straight sets 3-6, 4-6.
In this year’s edition of the tournament, Gauff overcame a tough challenge from former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the fourth round, who had come out of retirement to play at the US Open. The 19-year-old defeated the Dane in a thrilling three-set match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Gauff’s historic achievement was celebrated by the official US Open Twitter (now X) account on Monday, September 4.
The legend in question is Serena Williams, who was the last American teenager to reach back-to-back US Open quarterfinals in 1999 and 2000. Williams went on to win six US Open titles and 23 Grand Slam titles in total, becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
Williams reached her first US Open quarterfinal in 1999, where she defeated compatriot Monica Seles in three sets. She eventually defeated World No. 1 Martina Hingis in straight sets in the final to claim her first Grand Slam title.
The following year, she reached the quarterfinals again as the fifth seed but lost to second seed Lindsay Davenport in straight sets. Williams reached at least the quarterfinals in 17 out of her 21 US Open appearances.At the WTA’s 50th anniversary event last month, Gauff had expressed her admiration for the American legend.