WASHINGTON, DC, USA - During Coco Gauff's fairytale run at Wimbledon, one congratulatory tweet stood out.

Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama was among the millions of viewers captivated by Gauff's third-round comeback over Polona Hercog, and accordingly tweeted: "Coco is terrific!" The 15-year-old responded that she was "super excited", explaining: "She's one of my role models, so it was just cool to see that she knows I exist."

That knowledge went a step further this week: while in Washington for the Citi Open, where Gauff is still alive in the doubles draw alongside partner Catherine McNally, the teenager was able to meet Obama in person - and exchanged signed memorabilia, with the tennis player receiving a copy of Obama's autobiography Becoming, and the former First Lady receiving one of Gauff's tennis racquets.

Afterwards, Obama tweeted: "Thrilled to visit with @CocoGauff 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 responded in kind, posting: "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."