October 3rd, 2024

Coco Gauff makes history at Australian Open before ‘fairytale’ run comes to end

MELBOURNE, Australia – Teenage tennis sensation Cori “Coco” Gauff has had quite a ride at the Australian Open, beating Venus Williams in the first round and former No. 1 Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-4 in the third round Friday. But all great things, sometimes, has to come to an end. The 15-year-old’s “fairytale” run in Melbourne has halted after losing to American player, 21-year-old Sofia Kenin, on Sunday.

Let’s start by recapping her great game against Osaka.

The tennis prodigy pulled off the upset with big serving, consistent groundstrokes and by Osaka’s mistakes.

The defending champion made 30 unforced errors; Gauff only 17.

After the match, during her on-court interview, Gauff joked about wanting to take a selfie with Rod Laver, the 11-time major champion whom the stadium is named after.

The game was a rematch from the third round of the US Open in September; Osaka won that game in straight sets then consoled a crying Gauff afterward and encouraged her to speak to the fans.

“Honestly, like, what is my life? Like, oh, my gosh!” she told the crowd. “Two years ago, I lost the first round in juniors and now I’m here. This is crazy.”

Osaka says it was Gauff’s serve that made the difference.

“Her serve is way better,” she said. “I feel like I wasn’t really swinging freely, and she was.”

Gauff made history with that win, becoming the youngest player to beat a top-five opponent in a women’s tour-level match since American Jennifer Capriati did it at 15 in 1991.

What we particularly love, is both of these young women are part of the #BlackGirlMagic movement. Gauff is African American and Osaka is biracial, with a Black Haitian father and a Japanese mother.

But it was another American, Kenin, who took top honors from Gauff.

Kenin is a fierce counterpuncher. After Gauff won the first set in a tiebreaker, Kenin, the No. 14 seed, upped her game to win, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-0.

Gauff walked off court, again, in tears.

“I think naturally when I lose, I’m just a bit emotional,” she said.

Kenin was also shedding tears (of joy), now advancing to her first Grand Slam singles quarterfinal.

She gave props to Gauff’s athleticism and skills at such a young age, but still remained laser-focused on her task at hand.

“Of course I understand the interest in Coco,” Kenin remarked after the match. “She’s 15, and she’s playing at this level, which is great. But I knew I needed somehow to block everything out and just focus on myself, on my game and what I do best.”

 

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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