"I feel tears come in" - Coco Gauff shares raw emotions after being overwhelmed by 'crazy' welcome at WNBA game in New York

Coco Gauff was overwhelmed by the reception at the New York Liberty WNBA game she recently attended. The American tennis star defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the 2025 French Open.

On Tuesday, June 10, the Liberty took on the Chicago Sky, and Gauff attended the match at the Barclays Center. Sabrina Ionescu starred in a solid 85-66 win for the Liberty.

During the match, the 2025 French Open champion was introduced to the crowd, and she received an overwhelming response. The audience gave her a standing ovation, and the 21-year-old was seen being grateful for the reception.

Later, in a TikTok video, Gauff expressed her gratitude for the reception.

"I just came from the Liberty game and, like, they announced me that I was there and the whole arena was cheering for me, which I wasn't expecting, just because I... It's not my sport. I'm at a basketball game, and it just made me realize, like, how many people see me, and this is crazy. And I really appreciate you guys," Coco Gauff said.

Further, Gauff revealed that she holds back her emotions during interviews and was going through a similar situation while recording the video.

"In interviews, sometimes I try to hold the emotions back and, like, I'm right now trying to do it. But it just... like, I'm, like, feel tears come in. Like, it's like the tennis thing is one thing, but the fact that so many people are connecting and come up to me just for my personality and just on a personal level, like, it's crazy. It just means a lot. So... thank you," she added.

Over the last weekend, Gauff became a two-time Grand Slam champion after getting the better of Aryna Sabalenka in Paris.

---

Coco Gauff becomes the youngest American to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams at 21

Coco Gauff of the USA - Source: Getty

Coco Gauff capped off a sensational claycourt season by winning the 2025 French Open, becoming the youngest American to lift the Roland Garros trophy since Serena Williams in 2002. At just 21, Gauff defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, to claim her second Grand Slam title.

Her path to the crown included dominant wins over top-tier opponents. This showcased her evolving game on clay. Before Paris, Gauff reached back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome, establishing herself as the most consistent player on the tour.

This victory also marked redemption as Gauff had lost the French Open final in 2022 to Iga Swiatek. Three years later, she carries forward the legacy of great American champions in Paris.