In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s tennis, few players have captured the imagination as swiftly as Coco Gauff. At just 15, the American prodigy burst onto the global stage in 2019, leaving an indelible mark with her fearless play and infectious charisma. Among her admirers is tennis legend Steffi Graf, whose 22 Grand Slam titles and record 377 weeks at No. 1 place her among the sport’s all-time greats. Reflecting on Gauff’s breakout season, Graf offered a glowing assessment, marveling at the teenager’s innate gifts. “I have not met her,” Graf admitted, “but I did see her play here and there a little bit at some of the televised matches. She’s got such an effortless style and such raw talent.” For Graf, Gauff’s game spoke for itself, rendering advice almost superfluous. Her words, shared at the 2019 WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, underscore the promise of a player who has since become a cornerstone of the sport.
Gauff’s 2019 season was a revelation. At Wimbledon, she became the youngest player in the Open Era to qualify for the main draw at 15 years and three months, stunning five-time champion Venus Williams in a 6-4, 6-4 first-round upset. “I was just telling her thank you for everything she’s done for the sport,” Gauff said after the match, her humility shining through as she honored her idol. She reached the fourth round, falling to eventual champion Simona Halep, but her poise and power captivated audiences. Later that year, Gauff claimed her first WTA singles title at the Linz Open, defeating Jelena Ostapenko to become the youngest tour-level champion since 2004. “It’s going to be incredible to follow her the next few years,” Graf predicted, praising Gauff’s “incredible athleticism” and the joy she exudes on court. “Talk about somebody that’s enjoying herself out there, you can see her intensity.”
Graf, a teenage phenom herself who turned pro at 12 and won her first major at 17, recognized in Gauff a rare blend of maturity and explosiveness. “So it doesn’t seem like she needs a whole lot of advice,” Graf said with a laugh, noting that Gauff’s natural talent and competitive spirit set her apart. This sentiment resonated with the tennis world, as Gauff’s debut season saw her rocket from No. 685 to No. 68 in the rankings. Her versatility shone through in doubles as well, with titles in Washington, D.C., and Luxembourg alongside Caty McNally, making her the youngest doubles champion since Martina Hingis in 1995. Graf’s husband, Andre Agassi, also coached by Gauff’s mentor Brad Gilbert, echoed her praise, noting Gauff’s perfectionist drive as a hallmark of greatness.
Gauff’s journey began in Delray Beach, Florida, under the guidance of her parents, both former collegiate athletes. At 10, she trained at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in France, where the longtime coach of Serena Williams saw her potential. “When she looks at you and tells you she will be number one, you can only believe it,” Mouratoglou said. By 13, Gauff was the youngest U.S. Open junior finalist, and at 14, she won the 2018 French Open junior title. Her 2019 Wimbledon run, however, was the moment she became “Coco,” a global sensation. “I think the sky’s the limit,” Venus Williams said after their match, a sentiment Graf shared as she foresaw Gauff’s ascent.
Since 2019, Gauff has fulfilled that promise, reaching No. 2 in singles and No. 1 in doubles, with nine WTA singles titles, including the 2023 US Open and 2024 WTA Finals. Her 2025 Madrid Open final against Aryna Sabalenka, though a 6-3, 7-6(3) loss, showcased her growth. Graf’s early endorsement proved prophetic, but she also highlighted the sport’s evolution. “The younger girls now are less afraid and going for it,” she said, noting the competitive depth that Gauff epitomizes. As Gauff prepares for the Italian Open, her “effortless style” continues to dazzle, a reminder that some talents, as Graf observed, need only time to soar.
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