Tennis great Venus Williams has expressed her admiration for rising star Coco Gauff but has opted not to offer her guidance as Gauff competes for a second Grand Slam title at the French Open. Gauff, the tournament’s second seed, had a strong start in Paris by winning her first-round match against Olivia Gadecki. She is now set to play against unseeded Czech player Tereza Valentova in the second round.
Williams, who was defeated by Gauff in their first encounter during the 2019 Wimbledon at just 15 years old, explained her reluctance to provide mentorship. She noted that their competitive history makes it challenging to advise players like Gauff and fellow American Madison Keys, stating, “You know what? I was always playing against them, so I never really got the chance to give them much advice. They were playing so well.”
Despite not mentoring Gauff directly, Williams remains a significant supporter of the young athlete, emphasizing her status as a “huge fan” of the 2023 US Open champion. Williams encourages Gauff to maintain a realistic perspective about her performance and growth in the sport.
Gauff’s trajectory is promising as she continues competing, and with the backing of established players like Williams, her journey through the tournament could be inspiring for many in the tennis community. The camaraderie between seasoned athletes and emerging talents highlights the evolving dynamics of the sport.
This article showcases the blend of admiration and competition that fuels the world of tennis, with players lifting each other while vying for glory on the court.