In the ever-evolving world of professional tennis, few names resonate as powerfully as Venus and Serena Williams. These trailblazing sisters redefined the sport, breaking barriers and setting records that continue to inspire generations. Now, a new star is carrying their torch, and Venus Williams herself has taken notice, offering glowing praise for Coco Gauff, the young American phenom who is carving her own path in tennis history.
At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has already achieved what many players can only dream of. With two Grand Slam singles titles under her belt—the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open—she has solidified her place among tennis’s elite. Her meteoric rise began in 2019 when, at the tender age of 15, she stunned the tennis world by defeating her idol, Venus Williams, in the first round of Wimbledon. That moment was a turning point, not just for Gauff but for the sport itself, as it signaled the arrival of a new force. Reflecting on Gauff’s journey during a recent appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, Venus, now 44, couldn’t contain her excitement. “I mean, it’s so exciting to see her just like… explode,” she said, her voice brimming with pride. “She is fantastic, and of course, I hope she wins every match.”
Venus’s words carry weight, not only because of her status as a seven-time Grand Slam champion but also because of the profound impact she and Serena have had on Gauff’s career. Growing up in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff was inspired by the Williams sisters’ dominance and resilience in a predominantly white sport. As a young Black athlete, she often felt like she “stuck out like a sore thumb,” but seeing Venus and Serena thrive gave her the belief that she, too, could succeed. “They’re the reason why I have this trophy today, to be honest,” Gauff said after her 2023 US Open victory. “They have allowed me to believe in this dream… all the things that they had to go through, they made it easier for someone like me to do this.”
Gauff’s connection to the Williams sisters goes beyond admiration. In 2021, she partnered with Venus in the women’s doubles at the French Open, an experience that left a lasting impression. During one match, Gauff recalls breaking a racket in frustration, only for Venus to offer calm reassurance. “She was like, ‘That’s okay. That’s what you needed to do in that moment,’” Gauff shared, highlighting Venus’s mentorship and emphasis on humility and emotional expression. This guidance has shaped Gauff’s approach, both on and off the court, as she navigates the pressures of fame and competition.
Gauff’s achievements are stacking up quickly. Her 2025 French Open win made her the first American woman to claim the title since Serena in 2015, and her victory at the 2024 WTA Finals cemented her as the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004. She’s also closing in on a record set by Serena, who secured 22 victories over former Grand Slam champions by age 21. Gauff, with 20 such wins and months to go before her 21st birthday in March 2026, is on track to surpass this milestone. Yet, despite the comparisons, Gauff remains grounded. “It’s crazy and it’s an honor to be in that kind of lineup as them,” she said after her French Open triumph, acknowledging the legacy of the Williams sisters while forging her own.
Venus’s endorsement comes at a time when Gauff is navigating both triumphs and challenges. Her 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, with a disappointing first-round exit at Wimbledon to Dayana Yastremska and early losses in Qatar and Dubai. However, her resilience shines through, a trait that Rick Macci, the childhood coach of both Venus and Serena, sees as a common thread. “Only one Serena. But the same thread all three share… is how the thread stabilizes under pressure,” Macci posted on X, calling Gauff “cut from the same cloth” as her idols. He remains confident that with technical refinements, particularly to her forehand and second serve, Gauff’s potential is limitless.
Off the court, Gauff is equally impactful. A passionate advocate for social justice, she uses her platform to address issues like racial equality and climate change, echoing the trailblazing activism of the Williams sisters. At a recent community event in Delray Beach, she spoke about her desire to be remembered not just as a great tennis player but as a great humanitarian. “I want to make sure that I have a strong impact in the world in a good way,” she said, inspired by her father’s advice that she could “change the world with your racket.”
As Gauff prepares for the next chapter of her career, with the 2025 Miami Open and beyond on the horizon, Venus’s wish for her to “win every match” feels like a passing of the baton. The Williams sisters’ legacy looms large, but Gauff is proving she’s ready to build on it, blending athletic prowess, mental toughness, and a commitment to making a difference. With the support of tennis legends and a growing fanbase, Coco Gauff is not just following in the footsteps of Venus and Serena—she’s blazing a trail all her own.
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