At 19 years old, most people are preparing for college classes, meeting new people, and navigating their newfound independence. For Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff, 19 looks more like traveling to tournaments around the world, training for countless hours a day, and holding up trophies, more specifically one of the most glorified ones: the U.S. Open Championship Trophy. On September 9, Gauff, ranked No. 6 in the Women’s Tennis Association, WTA, successfully took down Aryna Sabalenka: a highly experienced and reputable player in the women’s singles category, ranked at No. 2 in the WTA. However, it was not just her grit and determination that made Gauff the star of the show at this year’s Grand Slam, but rather her memorable personality and authenticity that came together to put her on the board as a new player to watch.

After losing the first set 2-6, Gauff made an incredible comeback by striding through the next two, winning them 6-3 and 6-2. Prospects predicted that she had a 60% chance of victory, but it is undeniable that Sabalenka should have had an incredible shot with her 13 career singles titles, posing next to Gauff’s 6, and her peak rank at No. 1 in both singles and doubles within the past two years. Sabalenka had the seniority and experience, but the final proved that Gauff’s determination and young talent were successful and enough to win her the Grand Slam title.

Coco Gauff is not just an exceptionally talented athlete, she’s also a relatable figure to many onlookers around the world. With all eyes on her, Gauff remained true to herself and her personality, which proved to be one of the most important factors in gaining recognition. Those who were already avid tennis watchers loved her for her striking forehand, while those who were not loved her for her willingness to make a difference and speak her mind on the court, alongside the irony of her scrolling on TikTok only minutes before her big championship game. The U.S. Open’s official social media took on the trend of modernizing their content, having over 30 million views across multiple videos featuring Gauff, and more than 50 million in the span of the entire event. Fans are drawn to relatable, young athletes who break the mold, both on and off the court.

At her young age, people were shocked by the sign of her maturity in the way that she was able to advocate for herself but praised her for doing so, as she was correct in her call. In a round game against Laura Siegemund, before the final, Gauff noticed that the umpire was consistently allowing her opponent to have time violations with no penalty, so she personally went to the stand and spoke her mind.  Her actions resonated with viewers and sent a powerful message about integrity and accountability in sports. Videos of the incident quickly spread on social media, leaving many to turn their eyes onto this new star. Coco Gauff’s victory at the U.S. Open wasn’t just about tennis; it was about a young athlete becoming a symbol of empowerment and positive change.

But Coco Gauff was not the only young player making waves at the 2023 U.S. Open. The emergence of rookies like Ben Shelton, who put up a fierce fight against seasoned veteran Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at just 20 years old, highlights a broader trend. Carlos Alcaraz, also 20 years old, was defeated by Daniil Medvedev, but is ranked No. 2 in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). There appears to be a wave of fresh talent, like Gauff, Shelton, and Alcaraz, dominantly entering the scene by challenging the status quo and captivating fans worldwide. The changing versatility of players and the role of media after the U.S. Open raises questions as to where the professional tennis scene is headed. These young players are not just making it to the finals; they are winning championships, signaling a changing of the guard in professional tennis.

Novak Djokovic took the victory title in the men’s singles category, deeming victory over Daniil Medvedev with a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 win. Djokovic has now won 24 Grand Slam titles, four of them being U.S. Open trophies. At this tournament, it seems that old and new have met; the men’s singles champion has 23 more Grand Slam titles under his belt than the women’s. Djokovic, a name known around the world for ages, has been known for being “in his prime”, but perhaps that time is up. Instead, light is being shed on the new prime-time prospects. 

The 2023 U.S. Open was a perfect exhibit of the shift occurring in professional tennis. Youthful exuberance is challenging the dominance of seasoned veterans, and the media’s role in amplifying this change is undeniable. Coco Gauff’s distinct victory served as a powerful symbol of this new era in tennis, while Novak Djokovic’s proved time-old tradition of the sport. As fans and media alike embrace these rising stars, the future of professional tennis appears to be on an exciting and transformative trajectory, where old and new talents collide to create unforgettable moments on the court.