Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis star, is riding a wave of success in 2025, yet she’s keeping her eyes off the coveted world No. 1 ranking. Currently ranked No. 3, Gauff has been a force on the WTA tour, with standout performances that include defending her US Open title in 2024 and reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open earlier this year. Despite being in striking distance of the top spot, Gauff remains unfazed by the rankings race, focusing instead on consistency, personal growth, and her long-term legacy. Her mindset, as she prepares for the French Open starting May 25, 2025, offers a refreshing perspective on success in a sport often defined by numbers.
Gauff’s 2025 season has been a blend of triumphs and lessons. She kicked off the year with a title in Brisbane, her ninth career singles trophy, and followed it with a semifinal run in Melbourne, where she fell to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-setter. Her clay-court campaign has been equally impressive, with a quarterfinal appearance in Madrid and a strong showing at the Italian Open in Rome, where she’s currently competing. These results have positioned her just 500 points behind world No. 2 Iga 10-time Grand Slam champion Monica Seles, with whom Gauff shares a warm mentorship. Yet, when asked about her chances of overtaking Seles or world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Gauff was clear about her priorities. “I’m not really focused on the ranking,” she said during a press conference in Rome. “I’m just trying to play my best tennis and win tournaments. If No. 1 comes, it comes, but it’s not something I’m chasing.”
Gauff’s approach stems from a mature understanding of her career trajectory. At just 21, she’s already a Grand Slam champion, having won the 2023 and 2024 US Opens, and a doubles gold medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Jessica Pegula. Her meteoric rise—reaching the French Open final at 18 in 2022—has invited comparisons to legends like Serena Williams, but Gauff is carving her own path. “I think when you’re younger, you want everything now,” she reflected. “But I’ve learned that patience is important. I want to be playing at a high level for 15, 20 years, not just one season.” This long-term vision, nurtured by her parents and coaches, has kept her grounded amid the pressures of fame.
Her focus on process over outcome was evident after her Madrid quarterfinal loss to Swiatek. Rather than dwelling on the defeat, Gauff highlighted her improvement on clay, a surface where she’s historically struggled. “I’m getting better at sliding and using my movement,” she said. “Losing to Iga isn’t the end of the world. It’s a chance to learn.” This resilience has endeared her to fans, who admire her authenticity—whether she’s sharing her love for anime on social media or advocating for social justice causes like voter registration.
Gauff’s off-court endeavors also shape her perspective. As a UNICEF ambassador, she’s passionate about education access for girls, drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s activism in the Civil Rights era. “Tennis is my job, but it’s not my whole life,” she said. “I want to make a difference beyond the court.” This balance keeps her motivated, even when the No. 1 ranking looms. Her close friendship with Pegula and mentorship from Seles, who texts her words of wisdom before big matches, further anchor her.
As Roland Garros approaches, Gauff is a favorite, though she downplays the hype. The Parisian clay, where she reached the 2022 final, suits her evolving game, with improved serving and net play. A deep run could push her closer to No. 1, but Gauff’s focus remains on the bigger picture. “I want to look back and know I gave everything,” she said. “That’s worth more than a number.” With her talent, heart, and wisdom, Coco Gauff is building a legacy that transcends rankings—and she’s just getting started.
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