The US Open is one of the four ‘Grand Slams’, which are the world’s most important tennis tournaments. The other three are the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. Held in New York City, the US Open is also one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world; its first edition was held in 1881. This year, it began on August 28 and ended on September 10.
Novak Djokovic from Serbia won the men’s singles, marking his 24th Grand Slam title. Djokovic has won more Grand Slams than any other male player in history. With his latest victory, he has also equalled the all-time record of Grand Slam singles titles by either sex held by Australian Margaret Court. Court won 24 titles between 1960 and 1973.
The women’s singles title was claimed by a rising US tennis star, Coco Gauff, who is only 19 years old. This victory makes her the youngest American, male or female, to win the US Open since 1999.
Part of her winning strategy involved taking a break from social media. She claimed that this allowed her to focus more on herself and her expectations, paying no attention to the pressure from her supporters and, especially, the negativity from internet trolls. As a young black athlete, Gauff has been targeted by haters. After winning the US Open, she had a message for them. “To those who thought you were putting water on my fire,” she said, “you were really adding gas to it, and now I’m really burning so bright.”
1) Do you think athletes can be role models? Explain.
2) How often do you use social media? Have you ever felt the need for, or have you ever taken, a social media break?
(Carlo Dellonte)
(Image: Pixabay)
