Michelle Obama sends congratulatory message to Coco Gauff for reaching Roland Garros final - "I'm so proud of you"

Tennis star Coco Gauff has millions of fans across the globe, and she received a special message from the former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, for reaching the final of Roland Garros.

The 18-year-old American progressed to her first Grand Slam singles final after she produced a 6-3 6-1 win over Italy's Martina Trevisan on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Thursday. After the match, Gauff was quick to condemn gun violence in response to a shooting at a Tulsa medical center this week and in Uvalde, Texas last week.

Gauff wrote 'Peace. End gun violence. Coco.' on the camera lens then spoke in detail about the sensitive topic in her press conference after the match.

Obama, a long-time admirer of Gauff, sent her a congratulatory message on Twitter for reaching the final at Roland-Garros. She tweeted: "Congrats, Coco Gauff I'm so proud of you, and I will be rooting for you all the way!"

The former First Lady has made her support of Gauff public in the past. She tweeted "Coco is terrific!" when Gauff, who was 15 at the time, beat Polona Hercog in the third round of Wimbledon back in 2019.

On August 1 2019, the pair met in person for the first time while Gauff was competing at the Citi Open in Washington.

Obama tweeted afterwards: "Thrilled to visit with Coco Gauff today. A wonderful young woman who's showing us that we don't have to wait to see what the next generation can do."

Gauff replied: "Today I got to meet my idol Michelle Obama. 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."

The World No.23 will face Iga Swiatek in the final, with the hopes of lifting her maiden Grand Slam title.