Coco Gauff has long idolized Serena and Venus Williams, the legendary sisters who have dominated women’s tennis for two decades and share an astounding 30 Grand Slam singles titles. Now at age 20, Gauff is not only one of the top players on the WTA tour but also has her own Grand Slam title, following in the footsteps of her heroes with a skill, poise, and ambition that have already marked her as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Her encounter with Serena Williams, one of her lifelong inspirations, was a memorable moment that she often reflects on as a highlight of her young career. The meeting came when Gauff was still a rising star, practicing her way up the rankings and dreaming of the success she’s now achieving. Speaking in an interview on *Refinery29’s* YouTube channel for the show *Hair Me Out*, Gauff recounted the first time she came face-to-face with Serena, who was filming a commercial on the same court where Gauff was practicing. The realization hit her suddenly, and Gauff admitted she was stunned to be in the presence of the iconic champion. “Serena and Venus, they’re my idols,” she shared. “So Serena was actually shooting a commercial at the same place I was practicing.”
Initially, Gauff wasn’t sure it was truly Serena. “I saw somebody walking and thought it was like a stunt double of her or something,” she explained. “But then I realized it was her, and I was so excited. She came over to give me advice and just speak to me.” The encounter was a formative experience for Gauff, not only for the chance to meet her idol but because of the encouragement and advice Serena gave her, inspiring her to stay authentic both on and off the court. “I look up to Serena with how she was never afraid to show her curls or her braids with the beads—that was so iconic,” Gauff said, noting that Serena’s unapologetic confidence left a lasting impression.
Gauff’s admiration for the Williams sisters has shaped her own approach to the game and has provided a foundation for her rapid rise to world No. 3. Like Serena and Venus, Gauff made her mark in the tennis world at a young age. She famously defeated Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 when she was just 15 years old, setting off a journey that has seen her evolve from a promising young player to a formidable Grand Slam champion.
Serena herself has been one of Gauff’s most vocal supporters. Having watched Gauff’s career develop from the sidelines and cheered her on in person, Serena has expressed how proud she is of the young star, especially after Gauff’s US Open victory in 2023. The win made her the youngest American to claim a Grand Slam title since Serena herself. While attending Gauff’s match against Emma Navarro at the 2024 US Open, Serena shared some thoughts on what she believes Gauff can improve to reach her full potential.
In an interview with ESPN, Serena shared her assessment of Gauff’s game, noting her strengths and areas she could further develop. “She has a good serve. I think it can obviously be better, but she is so young. Oh my goodness, she has the rest of her career to just improve,” Serena said, pointing to the vast potential Gauff still has in her game. Despite her age, Gauff’s athleticism, power, and strategic play have already set her apart, and Serena sees room for even greater growth.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Gauff’s game is her forehand, a stroke that has faced scrutiny and adjustment since her junior days. Yet Serena offered an unexpected take, suggesting that Gauff shouldn’t change her approach too much. “I wouldn’t change anything on her forehand,” Serena commented, highlighting the importance of confidence over technical perfection. “I’ve seen a lot of interesting forehands. And listen, I think if you’re just confident with whatever you have, keep it up and just be confident about it.” Serena’s advice reinforces the idea that mental strength can be just as valuable as technical skill, and that belief in oneself often outweighs perfect form.
Indeed, Serena’s advice echoes what many coaches and players say about the mental game in tennis, especially under pressure. Serena encouraged Gauff to fully embrace her unique style and technique: “Whether she’s hitting it with her wrist or her elbow, just have confidence doing it.” This focus on confidence and consistency has been a significant factor in Gauff’s game, and it’s clear Serena believes this is what will carry her to further success in the years ahead.
Since her first memorable encounter with Serena, Gauff has continued to channel the influence of the Williams sisters, embracing the same determination, resilience, and pride. She’s one of the top-ranked players in the world and a Grand Slam champion, and many see her as the face of the next generation of American women’s tennis. Her achievements are already impressive, yet as both she and Serena know, her potential is far from being fully realized.
For Gauff, these memories and advice from Serena serve as a reminder of her purpose and place within the sport. She’s on track to build a legacy of her own, inspired by the very players she once idolized. As she continues to compete on the world stage, Gauff will carry with her the lessons of strength and self-belief passed down from Serena, solidifying her path in the elite ranks of tennis.