At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has already carved out her place in tennis history, clinching her second Grand Slam title at the 2025 French Open with a thrilling 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory over Aryna Sabalenka. Yet, amid her own meteoric rise, the American star remains in awe of the player she considers the greatest of all time: Serena Williams. In a candid interview following her Roland Garros triumph on June 8, 2025, Gauff didn’t hesitate when asked to name the ultimate women’s tennis icon. “Serena is obviously the greatest,” she declared, her voice brimming with admiration. “The things she did, the way she carried herself, the barriers she broke—it’s unmatched.” Gauff’s heartfelt endorsement underscores the towering legacy of Williams, whose influence continues to shape the sport and inspire a new generation of players.
Gauff’s reverence for Williams is deeply personal. Growing up in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff idolized the 23-time Grand Slam champion, whose dominance redefined women’s tennis over two decades. Williams’ record—23 major singles titles, 14 in doubles, four Olympic gold medals, and 319 weeks as world No. 1—sets a benchmark that Gauff, now ranked No. 2, acknowledges as unparalleled. “I don’t think anyone will ever do what she did,” Gauff said, reflecting on Williams’ ability to win across three decades, from her first major at the 1999 US Open to her last at the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant. Gauff’s own journey, marked by her 2019 Wimbledon breakout at age 15 and her 2023 US Open title, draws inevitable comparisons to Williams, but she remains humble. “I’m just trying to follow in her footsteps, not fill her shoes,” she added with a smile.
The French Open final showcased Gauff’s growing prowess, as she battled back from a set down against Sabalenka in a match that captivated Paris. Her victory, sealed after two hours and 45 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier, marked her as the first American woman since Williams to win multiple Grand Slams before turning 22. Gauff’s ability to handle windy conditions and Sabalenka’s powerful game echoed the resilience Williams often displayed. “I just kept fighting, kept believing,” Gauff said post-match, a mindset she credits to watching Williams’ iconic comebacks, like her 2009 Wimbledon final against Elena Dementieva. Gauff’s triumph also made her the youngest French Open women’s champion since Iga Swiatek in 2020, further solidifying her as a torchbearer for American tennis.
Williams’ impact transcends statistics, and Gauff emphasized her role as a trailblazer. As a Black woman in a predominantly white sport, Williams shattered barriers, paving the way for players like Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and Sloane Stephens. “She made it possible for me to dream this big,” Gauff noted, recalling how Williams’ 2003 Roland Garros title inspired her own clay-court ambitions. Off the court, Williams’ advocacy for racial and gender equality, including her push for equal prize money, left an indelible mark. Gauff, who has used her platform to address issues like gun violence and racial justice, sees Williams as a blueprint. “She showed us how to be more than just a player,” Gauff said, citing Williams’ influence on her decision to speak out after her 2022 French Open semifinal.
The tennis world echoed Gauff’s sentiments. Iga Swiatek, who lost to Gauff in Madrid earlier in 2025, called Williams “a legend who changed the game.” Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his own French Open title, added, “Serena’s legacy is bigger than tennis—she’s an icon.” Yet, not everyone agreed unequivocally. Some fans pointed to Steffi Graf’s 22 majors and Golden Slam or Margaret Court’s 24 titles as rival claims to the GOAT mantle. Gauff dismissed such debates with characteristic clarity: “Numbers are one thing, but Serena’s impact, her presence, her fight—that’s what makes her the greatest.”
As Gauff prepares for Wimbledon, where she’s a strong contender after reaching the 2024 semifinals, her admiration for Williams fuels her drive. She keeps a photo of Williams’ 2012 Wimbledon triumph on her phone as motivation, a reminder of the standard she aspires to. “I want to win as many Slams as I can, but it’s not about chasing Serena’s record,” Gauff said. “It’s about being the best version of myself.” With her French Open title and a burgeoning rivalry with Sabalenka, who vowed to “come back stronger” after their Paris clash, Gauff is carving her own path while honoring the woman who made it possible. As she steps onto the grass courts of SW19, Williams’ legacy looms large, a guiding light for a young star destined to shape tennis’s future.
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