In the electrifying world of professional tennis, where rankings often dictate the headlines, Coco Gauff is rewriting the script. The 21-year-old American phenom, currently perched at World No. 3, has her eyes set on a prize far grander than the coveted top spot. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, fresh off a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Maria Sakkari in the third round of the Miami Open, Gauff sat down with the press and laid bare her ambitions. For her, it’s not about chasing the No. 1 ranking—it’s about cementing a legacy that resonates beyond the stat sheets.
The Miami Open clash with Sakkari was no ordinary match. It marked Gauff’s second triumph over the formidable Greek star this season, following a similar straight-sets win at Indian Wells just over a week prior. On the sun-soaked courts of Miami, Gauff showcased her signature blend of power and poise, sealing the deal with a performance that left little room for doubt. Sakkari, a seasoned competitor known for her tenacity, couldn’t crack the young American’s resolve. For Gauff, it was another step toward something bigger—a milestone she’s been vocal about pursuing.
Just days before her 21st birthday on March 13, Gauff had a candid exchange with the Roland Garros team, offering a glimpse into her season-long goals. “Winning more major trophies is my top priority,” she declared, her voice carrying the weight of someone who’s tasted Grand Slam glory and hungers for more. Her sights are locked on the French Open, the prestigious clay-court major where she’s yet to claim the crown. It’s a tournament that holds special significance for her, a stage where she’s come tantalizingly close to rewriting history.
Gauff’s journey on the Parisian clay has been a rollercoaster of near-misses and hard-earned lessons. In 2022, as a rising star still finding her footing, she stormed to the Roland Garros final, only to be thwarted by Iga Swiatek, the then-World No. 1 and a clay-court maestro. The defeat stung, but it didn’t deter her. Instead, it fueled a fire that carried her to her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, a breakthrough that announced her as a force to be reckoned with. Now, with one major under her belt, Gauff is determined to conquer Paris and add a second Slam to her growing legacy.
“I want to be remembered for what I achieve, not just where I rank,” Gauff emphasized during her Miami press conference. It’s a sentiment that sets her apart in a sport often obsessed with numbers. While the World No. 1 spot remains a glittering prize—one she’s fully capable of claiming—Gauff sees it as secondary to the trophies that define a career. Her focus on majors, particularly the French Open, reflects a maturity beyond her years, a clarity of purpose that’s rare for someone who’s only recently crossed into her twenties.
The road to Roland Garros won’t be easy. Swiatek, still a dominant force, looms as a formidable obstacle, her mastery of clay a benchmark Gauff must surpass. Yet, Gauff’s recent performances suggest she’s closing the gap. Her back-to-back victories over Sakkari this season demonstrate a growing consistency and confidence, qualities that could prove decisive on the grueling red dirt of Paris. She’s not just playing to win matches—she’s building toward a moment that could redefine her career.
Beyond the court, Gauff’s words carry a deeper resonance. “People remember you for the titles you win, the moments you create,” she mused, hinting at the legacy she hopes to leave behind. It’s a perspective shaped by her meteoric rise—from teenage prodigy to Grand Slam champion—and the expectations that have followed. At 21, she’s already inspiring a new generation of players and fans, her fearless approach and unrelenting drive setting a standard for what’s possible.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Gauff’s pursuit of that “greater prize.” The French Open, set to begin in late May, looms as her next big test. Can she finally dethrone Swiatek and claim the title that slipped through her fingers three years ago? Or will she carve her path elsewhere, adding to her Grand Slam tally on her own terms? Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: Coco Gauff isn’t chasing rankings—she’s chasing immortality. And in the world of tennis, that’s a prize worth fighting for.
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