Coco Gauff, a rising star in tennis, has often cited Serena Williams as her primary inspiration, declaring the Williams sisters—Venus and Serena—as her idols during her formative years. Gauff recently advanced to her third semi-final at the French Open after overcoming fellow American Madison Keys in a closely contested match, final scores being 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-1.
Since bursting onto the scene as a talented 15-year-old when she defeated Venus at Wimbledon in 2019, Gauff has shared a close connection with the Williams family. Their ties date back even further; Gauff recalls being cast as a body double for a young Serena in a Delta Airlines commercial when she was just nine years old, where she struck a memorable serve that she describes as a pivotal moment in her young life.
The connection between Gauff and Williams is profound, with Gauff having trained under Serena’s longtime coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, at a young age. Gauff’s game has been significantly influenced by the former world number one. In her remarks, Gauff emphasized how watching Serena shaped her perspectives on success and self-worth, stating, “I feel like Serena taught me that… She never settled for less.”
At just 21 years old, Gauff’s growth as a player is evident. With a Grand Slam title already won (the US Open in 2023) and an estimated net worth of $35 million, she embodies the ethos of excellence and resilience that Williams exemplified throughout her career. Gauff aims to channel this legacy as she prepares for her upcoming semi-final against French player Lois Boissin, ranked world no. 361.
Interestingly, Gauff finds herself at a crucial juncture, with a chance to mirror the achievements of Serena, who won her first French Open title at the age of 21 in 2002. Gauff is poised for a promising future, showcasing not only her tennis prowess but also a mature understanding of her role as a trailblazer in the sport. Her journey highlights the continuous thread of inspiration passing from one generation of athletes to the next, fostering hope for both her career and the future of women’s tennis.