In a dazzling display of skill and tenacity, Coco Gauff has cemented her place among tennis royalty at the 2025 French Open, achieving a milestone not seen from an American player since the legendary Venus Williams. The 21-year-old phenom has surged into the fourth round at Roland Garros, marking her seventh consecutive Grand Slam event reaching at least the last 16 in women’s singles. This remarkable consistency echoes Venus Williams’ dominance between 1997 and 1999, when she reached the fourth round in nine straight Grand Slams, a record Gauff now mirrors as the youngest American to achieve such a feat since then.
Gauff’s journey through the 2025 French Open has been nothing short of electrifying. Entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed, she carried the momentum of back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome, where she showcased her prowess on clay. Her campaign in Paris began with a lighthearted hiccup when she walked onto Court Philippe-Chatrier without her rackets for her first-round match against Australia’s Olivia Gadecki. Despite the comical mishap, Gauff quickly regained her composure, delivering a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory. “I just laughed it off,” Gauff said, reflecting on the moment with her characteristic poise. “It’s not the end of the world, just a funny story to tell.”
Her second-round clash against Czech junior champion Tereza Valentova proved equally dominant, with Gauff securing a 6-2, 6-4 win. Her speed and strategic play forced Valentova into errors, allowing Gauff to control rallies and advance with confidence. The third round brought a tougher test against Marie Bouzkova, where Gauff trailed 5-3 in the second set. Undeterred, she battled back to force a tiebreak, clinching a 6-1, 7-6 (3) victory. “I knew I had to stay focused,” Gauff remarked post-match. “Even when things got tight, I trusted my game to pull through.”
This latest triumph underscores Gauff’s meteoric rise since her Grand Slam debut in 2019, when, at just 15, she stunned Venus Williams at Wimbledon in straight sets. A year later, she repeated the feat at the Australian Open, cementing her status as a prodigy. Now, as a Grand Slam champion herself—having won the 2023 US Open—Gauff is no longer just a promising talent but a leading contender. Her 20th singles win at Roland Garros, achieved in her first-round match this year, made her the youngest American in the Open Era to reach that milestone, surpassing even her idol, Serena Williams.
Venus Williams, now a commentator for TNT Sports at the 2025 French Open, has been vocal about her admiration for Gauff. “I love her passion,” Venus said during a broadcast. “I think sometimes she’s just too hard on herself. I think she’s got to just let go and allow herself to do what she can do.” Despite their competitive history, Venus has ruled out mentoring Gauff, citing her past losses to the young star. “I’m a huge fan of the Americans, always rooting for them,” Venus added, her pride in Gauff’s growth evident.
Gauff’s performance at Roland Garros has reignited discussions about her potential to claim her first French Open title, a goal she’s openly chasing after reaching the final in 2022, where she fell to Iga Swiatek. With a favorable draw and her improved clay-court game—bolstered by a stronger forehand and sharper net play—Gauff is a pre-tournament favorite. Her ability to adapt, even when her serve falters, as seen in her second-round match, highlights her maturity. “Coco’s movement and her two-hander are world-class,” noted a former coach of Roger Federer, aligning with Venus’s praise.
As Gauff advances to the last 16, she carries the hopes of American tennis fans, with eight U.S. players—five men and three women—reaching this stage, the most since 1985. Her next match promises to test her mettle, but if her recent form is any indication, Gauff is ready to continue her ascent. With Venus Williams’ legacy as her benchmark and Serena’s inspiration in her heart, Coco Gauff is not just matching history but writing her own.
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