American sensation Coco Gauff has been the favorite of tennis pundits, fans, and several other athletes of late. She has attracted an elite audience to her matches, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Justin Bieber, Jimmy Butler, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The American Queen was also lauded by legends like Mike Tyson, LeBron James, and Will Smith after she became the US Open champion.

Recently, one more decorated name – this time from the track and field world – added his name to the list of her admirers. The 2004 Olympic champion expressed his astonishment over the immense support of the audience that the 19-year-old received. What exactly did the sprinter – who once beat Usain Bolt’s 100m World record in an unofficial race – have to say about Gauff?

USA track legend reveals his ultimate experience of watching Coco Gauff

Illustrious former American sprinter Justin Gatlin declared himself as Gauff’s fan as he showered her with appreciation. Gatlin delved deeper into the love that Gauff has garnered and what makes her desirable of all the affection she receives.

In an interview with ‘Tidal League,’ Galtin shared, “The crazy thing is, like, you have those moments where the world is rooting for one particular athlete, and it sucks for the other athlete that is playing for the same championship. That’s what I felt watching Coco play in the finals. It was like everybody and their mama was cheering for Coco. They wanted Coco to win, and rightfully so.” But that wasn’t all he had to say.

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Elaborating further on the American top seed’s game, Galin said, “I mean, she played great tennis. Even when she was down, it was like you see the look on her face, and she rallied back with so much intensity and so much concentration and focus.”

The World No.3 became the most loved WTA star, not just because of her win but also because of how she reached the career-high level. Gauff was composed and patient and kept her emotions in check throughout the tournament, even after her win. Never once did she disrespect or display aggression towards her opponent. A teenager displaying such sportsmanship made her the real champion whom America loves.

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The Grand Slam champion’s journey started with a bold and transparent game in her first round, which impressed Gatlin further.

Justin Gatlin recalls the incident which made him root for the teenager

Gauff played her first-round match of the New York Slam against the German, Laura Siegemund. The chair umpire did not even react when the German broke several rules. The American had to intervene and remind the chair umpire of the basic rules. Players are not allowed to sit on their bench between the game breaks, but Siegemund did so without any penalties. This struck a chord with Justin Gatlin.

The 4-time World Champion Gatlin stated, “She understood that for her to be the champion she needs to be, she has to be able to now lead, respect the game, but also have her opponents also respect the game. Play fair, play clean, may the best player win. From that moment on, I am a fan of Coco, but I became a bigger fan of Coco since her win because of what led up to her beating that champion.”

The German slowed her serve repeatedly, which led to the delay in the match. Without making a scene, Gauff raised the issue and brought the game on track while maintaining her cool. The champion is only 19 years old, but her maturity belies her age. Gauff is now eyeing an Olympic medal and her 2nd Slam in 2024.

WATCH THIS STORY: As Coco Gauff’s Losing Streak Transformed Into A Winning One, Serena Williams’ Former Hitting Partner Recalls The Turning Point In The US Open Champ’s Fortunes