In the dazzling spotlight of the 2025 ESPY Awards at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, Coco Gauff, the WTA No. 2 and rising tennis superstar, received a heartfelt shoutout from fellow American tennis player Taylor Fritz, underscoring her profound influence on women’s sports. The 21-year-old, fresh off her second Grand Slam triumph at the 2025 French Open, was named the Best Tennis Player at the prestigious awards ceremony, a title she also claimed the previous year alongside the Best Female Athlete ESPY. Fritz, the world No. 4 and a 10-time ATP Tour-level singles titlist, was asked on the red carpet to name one woman in sports inspiring him most right now. Without hesitation, he pointed to Gauff, a gesture that resonated deeply within the tennis community and beyond.
Gauff’s journey in 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. After a stellar 2024 season that saw her clinch the year-end WTA Finals title in Riyadh, defeating both the world No. 1 and No. 2 in a historic feat, she carried her momentum into the new year. Her French Open victory over Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final (6-7, 6-2, 6-4) marked her second Major singles crown, solidifying her status as a generational talent. Gauff’s emotional connection to the sport, inspired by her idol Serena Williams, has fueled her ascent. “I don’t think anybody will [take Serena’s mantle] because she’s just one of a kind,” Gauff once said, humbly acknowledging the legend while carving her own path into tennis history. Her ability to balance humility with fierce competitiveness has endeared her to fans and peers alike, making Fritz’s praise all the more poignant.
Fritz, a compatriot and friend, has shared the court with Gauff in team events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics mixed doubles and the 2025 United Cup, where their chemistry helped propel Team USA to the title. “I’m super pumped to have Coco as my partner,” Fritz said during the United Cup in Perth, highlighting their shared mindset and belief in their abilities. “Fom knowing Taylor, I feel that our approach is very similar, mindset-wise,” Gauff echoed, noting their mutual confidence and team spirit. Their collaboration in Sydney, where Gauff defeated Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-4, and Fritz outlasted Hubert Hurkacz in a thrilling 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) match, secured the United States’ second United Cup title in three years. Gauff’s undefeated run in singles and doubles at the event showcased her relentless drive, as she declared, “I think I have the belief that I am one of the best players in the world, and when I play good tennis, it’s hard for me to be beaten.”
Despite her highs, Gauff faced challenges in 2025, particularly on grass courts. After her French Open triumph, she suffered a surprising first-round exit at Wimbledon to Dayana Yastremska, a 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 defeat that left her reflecting on her preparation. “I feel like mentally I was a little bit overwhelmed with everything that came after [the French Open],” she admitted, citing the difficulty of transitioning from clay to grass. The loss, marked by nine double faults and 29 unforced errors, was a humbling moment for the young star, who acknowledged the need to adapt her playing style. Yet, her resilience shone through as she prepared for the North American hardcourt swing, determined to rebound.
Fritz’s recognition of Gauff extends beyond her on-court achievements. Her role as a trailblazer in women’s sports, coupled with her advocacy for fair prize money alongside Fritz and other top players, underscores her broader impact. At just 21, Gauff is not only chasing titles but also inspiring a new generation, much as Serena did for her. As Fritz stood on the ESPY Awards red carpet, his choice to name Gauff as his inspiration spoke volumes about her influence, cementing her as a beacon of excellence in tennis and women’s sports.
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