Tennis phenom Cori “CoCo” Gauff can check admiration from yet another one of her famous idols off her list.
Gauff, who won her first World Tennis Association title at the Citi Open on Saturday, got the chance to meet Michelle Obama Thursday.
Obama shared love for Gauff, tweeting that she was “thrilled to visit with” the teen, who claimed the doubles title with Catherine McNally at this weekend’s match. The pair beat Maria Sanchez and Fanny Stollar 6-2, 6-2.
Obama also described the athlete as “a wonderful young woman who’s showing us that we don’t have to wait to see what the next generation can do.”
Gauff quote-tweeted the former first lady and expounded on the happiness she felt upon meeting the woman she deems her idol.
“Today I got to meet my idol @MichelleObama 😍. Her words and wisdom on my journey will stay with me on the court over the course of my career. She is a true inspiration. I have never arrived, I am always becoming! Thank you for your time. 🙏🏾”
As if that wasn’t enough, Gauff secured an autographed copy of Obama’s best-selling memoir, “Becoming” along with a personalized handwritten note.
“To Coco,” it began. “I wish you courage, strength, joy and love on your journey to become more. Warmly, Michelle Obama.”
Gauff, who gave Obama an autographed tennis racket, shared the book inscription on her Instagram Story over the weekend and thanked the one-time White House occupant for her time.
Additionally, the meet-and-greet left the 15-year-old tennis champ “speechless,” according to her one-word tweet that included a photo of the pair embracing.
Gauff’s followers eagerly gushed about the pair’s meeting.
“How amazing!! What a great First Lady!😍. Coco you are inspiring so many people, with you charm and charisma your confidence to always aspire to do better. Good luck in your future endeavors.”
“Oh My God..This child is🔥🔥🔥 Obama?”
“OMG love love love this! We loved you here in UK Coco keep living your dream. We are right behind you.”
This is the latest time Gauff has gushed about one of her idols. Previously, the star has been open about how much she looks up to Serena and Venus Williams.
“Serena Williams has always been my idol … and Venus. They’re the reason why I wanted to pick up a tennis racket,” Gauff told journalists at Wimbledon of the living tennis legends. “And I met them both, and they’re both super-kind people, and I’m just super happy and thankful that they chose to play tennis.”
Gauff also got love back from Serena who said, “I just love Coco and her family they’re just really sweet … and she’s pretty awesome and pretty cool.”
