“If this isn’t proof that your dreams are closer than you think then idk what is,” Coco Gauff commented on a match highlight that surfaced online, showing her in the stands of the 2012 US Open, eleven years before she triumphed at the Grand Slam tournament.
if this isn’t proof that your dreams are closer than you think then idk what is pic.twitter.com/EwVxVhM7jy
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) April 11, 2024
The USTA recently posted extended highlights of Venus Williams’ first-round match against Bethanie Mattek-Sands at the 2012 US Open and a keen observer noticed a familiar face in the audience — an eight-year-old Gauff, wearing a “love game” T-shirt, applauding in the stands.
An 8-year-old Coco Gauff cheering on her idol Venus Williams at the 2012 US Open, eleven years before winning the US Open herself 🥹
(Credit to the USTA for posting extended highlights of this match two days ago, uncovering a hidden gem of tennis history) pic.twitter.com/e6T6p0kaCS
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) April 11, 2024
As social media freelancer Bastien Fachan pointed out on X, the USTA unexpectedly uncovered “a hidden gem of tennis history.”
Fast forward to 2023, the little girl from the audience became the US Open champion herself, as a teenager, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, 2-6 6-3 6-2. Coco’s first Grand Slam title earned her $3 million in prize money.
