Universal Tennis INSIGHTS predicted Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff would win the 2023 US Open titles, and they did just that over the weekend.
Gauff (UTR Rating 12.95) became the first American teen to win in New York since Serena Williams in 1999. The 19-year-old moves up to a career-high WTA ranking of No. 3, and No. 2 in the UTR Pro Tennis Tour Rankings (based on UTR Rating).
Djokovic increased his Grand Slam record lead over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal by securing his 24th major. In one of the best moments of the fortnight, Serbian’s first hug after defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 was with his daughter.
Novak Djokovic was in tears celebrating Grand Slam 24 with his daughter, Tara 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/PJGZYMjJ1u
— Eurosport (@eurosport) September 11, 2023
"To make the history of this sport is something truly remarkable and special," Djokovic said. "I never imagined that I would be here talking about 24 Slams. I never thought that would be the reality, but the last couple of years I felt I have a chance, I have a shot at history—and why not grab it if it's presented."
Djokovic moves back to No. 1 in the ATP rankings though he’s been the top UTR-rated men’s player for a few weeks.
Gauff had dropped her first Grand Slam final in Paris last year, and came into her second opportunity with a fresh outlook. Despite dropping the first set to new WTA world No. 1 Sabalenka, Gauff bounced back for a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 win.
“I feel like I'm a little bit in shock in this moment," Gauff said. That French Open loss was a heartbreak for me, but I realize that God puts you through tribulations and trials, and that makes this moment even sweeter than I could've imagined."I just knew that if I didn't give it my all, I had no shot at winning."
3 - Coco Gauff became the youngest player in the top-3 of the WTA Rankings since Maria Sharapova in October 2006 and the youngest from the United States since Venus Williams in November 1999. Shiny.@WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/rEieSUROE6
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) September 11, 2023
In men’s doubles action, Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury added another Grand Slam title together by defeating Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden. Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe beat Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva to capture the women’s doubles trophy. In the mixed doubles draw, Anna Danilina and Harri Heliovaara topped Jessica Pegula and Austin Krajicek.
Unseeded American Katherine Hui won the junior girl’s championship while Joao Fonesca battled past Learner Tien for the boy’s title.
Tien was one of more than 30 UTR Pro Tennis Tour (PTT) players in the US Open draws this year. He also appeared in the men's main draw. Alex Michelsen, a regular competitor on the PTT in Newport Beach, won his first Grand Slam match, while Ben Shelton, a former Bradenton PTT finalist, made the biggest splash of all by reaching the semifinals.
College tennis was another winner in New York. Florida Gator Shelton was one of 20 men and seven women with college ties in the main draw. The women’s draw was lit up by Texas Longhorn Peyton Stearns, who made the fourth round. The doubles draws featured a whopping 65 former and current college players.