When Coco Gauff was fighting for the US Open crown, apart from the entire nation, she had the backing of several NBA superstars as well. Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant and Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler are a few who previously attended the game live to support Gauff. Though, of course, not everybody could make in-person appearances, some NBA icons used their social media to side with the 19-year-old. One of them was a Boston Celtics champion, who made some ruthless statements to discredit Gauff’s opponent.?

Although he ended the note with high praise, this type of support was something new for the viewers.?

NBA legend gets defensive of Coco Gauff by mocking her opponent

It’s been a long time since the tennis world witnessed an American clinch a spot for a grand slam final, that too at the US Open. Coco Gauff took her game to the next level, defying all the odds to beat world no.2 Aryna Sabalenka. However, the Belarusian tennis star was a tough nut to crack. Sabalenka sliced past Gauff in the first set comfortably, 6-2. Not wanting to lose on home ground, Gauff fought back and took the next two sets, winning her first Grand Slam in dominant fashion.

Somehow, Minnesota Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett became protective of the 19-year-old despite her Grand Slam win.

The 2008 champion termed Sabalenka as?“shorty”. He added to his Instagram story,?“Why does it feel like shorty trying to bully Koko out here.”

However, he also decided to appreciate the toughness Sabalenka showed. The Big Ticket shared, “But then again, that’s how shorty plays tho… AGAINST EVERYONE.” KG’s love for tennis was on display as he ended with, “That’s a great match btw[by the way].”

Though the term?“shorty” might be a bit patronizing, all KG wanted to do was support the homegrown talent of Coco Gauff.

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Kevin Garnett has been a pillar of support for Gauff?

The 2004 NBA MVP’s love for tennis is evident. Gauff’s first match of the US Open had a bit of controversy which the 19-year-old decided to call out mid-game.

A video showed Gauff calling out the referee, “She[Gauff’s opponent] went over the clock like four times. You gave her clock violation once. How is this fair?”

The above video caught the attention of KG as he shared it on his Instagram along with a short note,?“Say that s*** Cocoo”. Clearly, Garnett loves the ‘dog mentality’ that Gauff displayed. What are your thoughts on this shade from KG towards Sabalenka? Share your take in the comments below!

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