In a moment that captured the hearts of tennis fans worldwide, Venus Williams, at the age of 45, staged a remarkable comeback at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round on July 22. This victory marked Williams as the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, a feat only surpassed by Martina Navratilova’s 2004 Wimbledon triumph at age 47. The tennis world erupted in celebration, and none were more inspired than 21-year-old Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, who watched in awe and took to social media with a simple yet powerful tribute: “venus 👑.” Gauff’s admiration for her childhood idol underscored the significance of Williams’ achievement, as she later shared, “I think we should cherish the moment while it’s here,” reflecting on the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s enduring legacy.
Williams’ triumph was a testament to her resilience. After a 16-month hiatus from the WTA Tour, following surgery for uterine fibroids in July 2024, she returned with a wildcard entry to the DC Open. Her performance against Stearns showcased the power and precision that defined her career, with serves clocking over 112 mph and a commanding presence that electrified the Washington crowd. Despite falling to Magdalena Frech in the second round on July 24, marking her inability to win back-to-back matches since 2019, Williams’ victory was a poignant reminder of her indomitable spirit. Gauff, who has long credited Venus and her sister Serena for paving the way for her career, was so eager to witness the match that she cooked dinner—a rare activity for her—to settle in for the occasion. “I never cook, but I made dinner that night… Dinner and everything because I was so excited to watch her play,” Gauff shared, revealing how she and her boyfriend created a special evening to cheer on Williams.
The connection between Gauff and Williams runs deep. At just 15, Gauff stunned the tennis world by defeating Venus at Wimbledon in 2019, a moment that launched her into the spotlight. At the net, Gauff expressed her gratitude, saying, “I was just telling her thank you for everything that she’s done for the sport and she’s been an inspiration.” The two faced off again in 2020 at the Australian Open, with Gauff securing another victory, and later partnered in doubles at the 2021 French Open. These encounters have forged a bond rooted in mutual respect, with Williams praising Gauff’s passion during a 2025 Roland Garros broadcast: “I love her passion. I think sometimes she is too hard on herself. I think she has just got to let go and allow herself to do what she can do.”
Gauff’s admiration for Williams extends beyond the court. As a child, she watched Venus compete at the US Open, a memory immortalized in a 2012 clip where an 8-year-old Gauff cheered from the stands. Reflecting on the unearthed footage, Gauff wrote on social media, “If this isn’t proof that your dreams are closer than you think, I don’t know what is.” Now, as the world No. 2 and a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open, Gauff carries forward the legacy of the Williams sisters. “They are the reason why I have this trophy today, to be honest,” she said after her US Open triumph, acknowledging how their trailblazing success as Black American women inspired her own journey.
Williams’ DC Open performance also highlighted her influence on a new generation. Gauff, who partnered with Naked Smoothies to launch her Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie ahead of the 2025 US Open, emphasized the importance of health and longevity in the sport. “I definitely won’t be playing in my forties,” she admitted, contrasting her approach with Williams’ remarkable endurance. Yet, her smoothie, packed with 20 grams of plant-based protein and available at Coco’s Corner Store pop-up in New York from August 21-22, reflects her commitment to fueling her body for success, a lesson inspired by veterans like Williams.
As the tennis world looks toward the US Open, set for August 24 to September 7, 2025, Gauff’s tribute to Williams resonates as a call to celebrate legends while they’re still active. Williams’ comeback, though brief, reminded fans of her unparalleled impact, and Gauff’s heartfelt words encapsulated the sentiment: “I think we should cherish the moment while it’s here.” For a sport forever shaped by Venus’ legacy, this moment was a powerful reminder of her enduring greatness.
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