Coco Gauff’s tennis journey is deeply intertwined with her admiration for the legendary Williams sisters, Serena and Venus. Gauff, now ranked number three in the world, has openly shared her admiration for both sisters and how they inspired her throughout her formative years. Serena Williams, in particular, left a lasting impression on the young Gauff. Meeting Serena for the first time was an unforgettable experience for Gauff, who was left starstruck by the woman she had idolized for years. In 2023, Gauff realized part of her dream when she captured her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, a victory that many saw as a sign that the torch was being passed to a new generation of American tennis stars.
Reflecting on that first encounter with Serena, Gauff shared her experience during an episode of “Hair Me Out” on the Refinery29 YouTube channel. She recounted, “Serena was actually shooting a commercial at the same place I was practicing.” This unexpected brush with her idol left the then-teenage Gauff in awe. She recalled, “I saw somebody walking, and I thought it was a stunt double of her or something. So I’m like, ‘That looks like Serena, and she’s walking over here.’” It wasn’t until Serena walked up to her that Gauff fully grasped who she was meeting. Gauff continued, “She came over to just give me advice and speak to me.” That moment, surreal as it was, marked a turning point for Gauff, who was able to take Serena’s words of encouragement and carry them forward in her burgeoning career.
Serena’s influence on Gauff extends beyond technique or on-court strategy; it reaches into Gauff’s personal identity and expression as an athlete. Serena, known for her bold hairstyles and unique fashion sense, inspired Gauff to embrace her individuality. Gauff explained, “I look up to Serena, to her looks and her hair, and how she was never afraid to show her curls or her braids.” This inspiration is visible in Gauff’s own look on the court, where she often styles her hair in braids or natural curls, a reflection of her pride in her heritage and identity. “For me, I want to be as diverse with my hair as I can be. I love to wear my curls… because you look good and you feel good. It almost makes you perform better,” she added. For Gauff, embracing her natural hair isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about feeling empowered and bringing her best self to the game, something Serena has embodied throughout her career.
Although Gauff is still at the beginning of her journey, Serena has expressed great admiration for the young star’s approach to the sport. Following Gauff’s impressive performances at the US Open this year, Williams had nothing but high praise for her. “Coco has a massive tennis IQ,” Serena remarked. “I think she really uses her brain out there. I think she can really rely on her serve. Obviously, her movement is great. And I just love her mental toughness and her mental fortitude.” Coming from Serena, who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is considered one of the greatest athletes in history, this endorsement speaks volumes about Gauff’s potential. Serena’s words resonate deeply with Gauff, who has long aspired to match her idol’s success and poise under pressure.
With Serena retired as of September 2022, Gauff is part of a new wave of talent that could shape the future of women’s tennis. Her 2023 US Open victory was a career-defining moment that showcased her potential to rise to the top of the sport. While Gauff has a long way to go to match the Williams sisters’ combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles, she has already made a bright start, showing resilience and tenacity that mirrors her idols. Now, as she gears up for the season-ending WTA Finals, Gauff is preparing to face some of her toughest competition yet. The draw for the WTA Finals placed her in the same group as world No.1 Iga Swiatek, fellow American Jessica Pegula, and reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova. This lineup promises exciting matches, particularly between Gauff and Swiatek, whom Gauff has defeated only once in their twelve meetings.
As she continues to build her legacy, Gauff is undoubtedly following in the Williams sisters’ footsteps, both on and off the court. Her journey, marked by moments of awe, personal growth, and significant accomplishments, has only just begun. While the comparisons to Serena and Venus are inevitable, Gauff is gradually carving out her own path. Her humility, dedication, and ability to stay grounded despite her rapid success have made her an inspiration to young fans around the world, much like Serena and Venus were to her. There’s a sense of excitement around Gauff, who represents a new generation of players determined to make their mark on the game while honoring the legacy of those who came before them.