NEW YORK — Coco Gauff’s powerful forehand and blistering speed have been the talk of the 2024 US Open, but it was her powerful message of gratitude off the court that resonated just as deeply.
Following a commanding 6-3, 6-4 third-round victory over Belgium’s Elise Mertens on Friday night, the reigning champion used her post-match interview not only to discuss her stylish performance but to deliver a heartfelt shout-out to the tournament’s unsung heroes.
“I want to give a special shout-out to all the janitors and the cleaning staff,” Gauff told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. “I know it’s late for y’all, and we’re going to keep y’all even later with this night match. So thank you so much. We don’t say thank you enough.”
The spontaneous expression of thanks, met with a roar of applause from the audience, underscored the 20-year-old’s growing maturity and awareness beyond the baseline. It was a moment of pure class from a player who is not just defending a title but solidifying her status as a leader in the sport.
A Champion's Mindset On and Off the Court
Gauff’s acknowledgment of the stadium staff is part of a broader pattern for the young star. In an era where athletes are often shielded from the operational mechanics of a major tournament, Gauff has consistently shown an appreciation for the hundreds of workers who make the spectacle possible.
This isn’t the first time she has highlighted their efforts. After her first-round win, she made a point to thank the ball kids and the locker room attendants. “It’s a long two weeks for everyone,” she noted in a press conference. “We players get the glory, but it’s a real team effort behind the scenes.”
Her comments Friday night were a poignant reminder of the long, late hours these workers endure, often not finishing until the early morning hours after a night session concludes. For the janitorial staff, the work begins in earnest once the last fan has left the grounds.
Dominant Form: Gauff is "Motoring" Along
While her words made headlines, her racket did most of the talking during the 1-hour and 47-minute match against the 32nd-ranked Mertens. From the outset, Gauff exhibited a level of focus and aggression that suggests she is on a mission to repeat her 2023 triumph.
Her performance was a masterclass in controlled power. She fired 10 aces, won 80% of her first-serve points, and cracked 24 winners against a notoriously consistent opponent. Perhaps most impressively, she saved all six break points she faced, showcasing a clutch gene under pressure.
Tennis analyst and former player Brad Gilbert, whose term "motoring" perfectly describes her current form, pointed to her improved forehand as the key difference. “Last year, it was a shot opponents targeted. This year, it’s a weapon. She’s hitting it with more topspin and confidence, and it’s completely changed her game.”
Gauff’s current run is a testament to her relentless work ethic. Her victories have been characterized by a strategic blend of power and patience, a combination that makes her an incredibly difficult out on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
The Road Ahead: A Formidable Path
With the win, Gauff advanced to a round of 16 clash against another tough opponent, Czechia’s Markéta Vondroušová. The matchup is a tantalizing one, pitting the current US Open champion against the reigning Wimbledon champion.
Vondroušová, known for her crafty game and versatile shot-making, represents a significant step up in competition. Gauff acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “She’s a tricky player. I have to be ready for a lot of slices and changes of pace. It’s going to be a physical match.”
The potential hurdles don’t stop there. Looming in her quarter of the draw is a possible semifinal meeting with No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka, a player with whom Gauff has developed a compelling and fierce rivalry. Their matches have been battles of contrasting styles—Gauff’s speed and defense against Sabalenka’s raw, overwhelming power.
More Than a Athlete: A Role Model
Gauff’s journey from a 15-year-old phenom shocking Venus Williams on this same court to a mature, Grand Slam-winning champion has been a public evolution. She has grown comfortable using her platform to speak on issues she cares about, from social justice to simple acts of kindness.
Her message to the janitors is consistent with the values she and her family have always emphasized: humility, hard work, and recognizing the contributions of others. It’s a perspective that has endeared her not just to tennis fans, but to sports fans everywhere.
In a world of often-scripted athlete interviews, her genuine moment of thanks felt refreshingly real. It highlighted several key traits that define her character:
- Empathy: An understanding of others' hard work.
- Awareness: Recognizing the unseen efforts that facilitate her own.
- Leadership: Using her voice to uplift those who are rarely heard.
This mindset, perhaps as much as her formidable backhand, is what makes her a true champion. She plays with a perspective that the game is bigger than herself, a rarity at the highest level of individual sport.
A Tournament Built on Their Backs
The US Open is a massive enterprise, employing thousands of temporary staff for its two-week run. The cleaning crews are among the most essential, tasked with the monumental job of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene for over 700,000 attendees across dozens of courts and facilities.
Their work is physically demanding and largely thankless. They navigate overflowing trash cans, spilled food and drinks, and the general mess left behind by a passionate and often rowdy New York crowd, all while working through the night.
For one of the biggest stars of the tournament to not only see them but to publicly celebrate them on the sport’s biggest stage is a powerful gesture. It validates their crucial role and, hopefully, inspires others to offer their thanks as well.
Conclusion: Winning the Right Way
As Coco Gauff continues to motor through the US Open draw, her powerful game is drawing comparisons to the greats. But it is her character that truly sets her apart. In the high-stakes environment of a Grand Slam, where every point is pressurized, she remains grounded.
Her message to the janitorial staff was more than a nice moment; it was a reflection of her champion’s heart. It proved that true greatness is measured not only by trophies and rankings but by how one treats those who don’t hold the racket.
As she prepares for the tougher tests ahead, Gauff carries with her the support of a city and a nation, and now, the quiet gratitude of an entire workforce. She is winning matches, and in the process, winning over the world—one forehand, and one act of kindness, at a time.