In a dazzling display of tenacity and skill, Coco Gauff has cemented her place among tennis royalty at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, etching her name in the record books by surpassing the legendary Serena Williams in a historic milestone. The 21-year-old American star powered through to the quarterfinals on Thursday, August 14, with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in the Round of 16. This triumph not only keeps Gauff’s hopes alive for a second Cincinnati title in three years but also marks her 19th quarterfinal appearance in WTA 1000 events before turning 22, eclipsing Williams’ 18 before the same age. “Keep the faith always,” Gauff declared post-match, a succinct four-word message that encapsulates her resilience and spiritual grounding as she navigates the pressures of stardom.
### A Historic Achievement
Gauff’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of remarkable. After receiving a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed, she dispatched world No. 37 Wang Xinyu 6-3, 6-2 in just 70 minutes, converting all five break points and showcasing the aggressive play that has become her hallmark. “It feels great to be back in Cincinnati,” Gauff said, reflecting on her 2023 title run, which saw her defeat then-world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 10 Karolina Muchova to become the tournament’s youngest champion at 19. Her latest win over Bronzetti, ranked No. 61, was a testament to her ability to rebound from recent challenges. “For the most part, I played aggressive,” she noted, acknowledging moments of passivity but crediting her control on the fast Cincinnati courts. Since the WTA 1000 format began in 1990, only Martina Hingis, with 25 quarterfinals before 22, outpaces Gauff’s 19, a feat that underscores her prodigious talent.
### Overcoming Adversity
Gauff’s Cincinnati campaign comes on the heels of a turbulent summer. At the Canadian Open, she struggled with a staggering 42 double faults across three matches, including 23 in a single match against Danielle Collins—the fifth-highest in WTA history. Her Round of 16 loss to 18-year-old Victoria Mboko in Montreal raised concerns about her form, particularly her second serve, which leads the tour with 293 double faults in 2025. “I was disappointed in myself when it comes to that part of the game,” Gauff admitted, noting her practice sessions showed promise that didn’t translate to matches. Yet, in Cincinnati, she turned the tide. Despite an early wobble with three double faults in a single game against Wang, she finished the match without further missteps, a sign of her growing mental fortitude. “I think [I was] just trusting myself and trusting the work we put in in practice,” she said, emphasizing her focus on moving forward.
### A Walkover and a Test Ahead
Gauff’s path to the quarterfinals was eased by a walkover in the Round of 32 when Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska withdrew due to illness. This matchup was anticipated as a test, given Yastremska’s straight-sets upset over Gauff at Wimbledon. “I don’t ever think of revenge type of tennis,” Gauff said, reflecting on their rivalry. “Dayana is a tough opponent, great ball striker, can pull winners out of anywhere.” The walkover spared Gauff the grueling Cincinnati heat, which has felled other players, and preserved her energy for the quarterfinal clash against either No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini or Barbora Krejcikova. With a 3-1 head-to-head lead over Yastremska, Gauff’s hard-court prowess—evidenced by her 7-0 record in WTA hard-court finals—positions her well for the challenges ahead.
### Chasing Legends and a Cleaner Narrative
Gauff’s Cincinnati success builds on a stellar 2025, highlighted by her French Open title in June, where she became the first American woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win at Roland Garros. Her victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the final marked her as the youngest American to claim both the French and US Opens since Williams in 2002. Off the court, Gauff’s fashion-forward approach, with a unique Miu Miu and New Balance outfit for each tournament, has drawn comparisons to Williams’ bold style. “I have not repeated an outfit,” Gauff proudly noted, embracing the court as a runway for self-expression.
The shadow of Serena Williams looms large, but Gauff is carving her own path. Her idol’s influence is profound—she credits Venus and Serena for inspiring her belief in dominating a sport where Black women have historically faced barriers. “They’re the reason why I have this trophy today,” Gauff said after her 2023 US Open win, a sentiment echoed in her Cincinnati journey. Yet, her 36-8 record in WTA 1000 opening matches, surpassing Williams’ pre-22 mark, signals her ascent toward new milestones. As she eyes a second Cincinnati title and a strong US Open showing, Gauff remains grounded. “I don’t pray for results, I just ask that I get the strength to give it my all,” she said, a mantra that fuels her pursuit of greatness. Fans can watch her quest live on Sky Sports Tennis, as Gauff aims to write a new chapter in her burgeoning legacy.
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