In 2022, when Serena Williams said, “I’m not retired,” tennis fans heaved a sigh of relief. The 42-year-old player who intends to “evolve away from tennis” might be back on a tennis court. However, there is a condition! Shedding light on whether there is a possibility of an on-court meeting with Coco Gauff, Williams revealed what question she needs to ask herself before that happens.
Serena Williams recently appeared for an interview with PEOPLE during the 2024 Tribeca Festival premiere event. The 23-Grand-Slam Champion was there for the premiere of her much-anticipated docuseries, named, In the Arena: Serena Williams. Apart from discussing her eight-part docuseries in which she reflects on the most pivotal moments of her career, Williams also opened up on an intriguing question about her future plans regarding tennis. When asked whether she would ever play with the reigning U.S. Open champion, Gauff, Williams took a moment and answered the question.
“I mean, let me ask my knees,” she responded to the question. The former American tennis pro made the tennis world abuzz with her exceptional performances since she was a teenager. However, in 2022, the former World No. 1 stepped away from tennis after the U.S. Open tournament as she wanted to extend her family and welcome her second child. Surprisingly, Williams, who previously said, “The chances (of a return) are very high,” a few weeks ago revealed, “I’m ready to hit some balls again.”
Therefore, speculation about her return is high. Amidst that, her comment on her possible matchup with Coco Gauff further ignites excitement among fans. However, her hint at her troublesome ‘knee’ further fuels the debate of whether she would be able to play the 20-year-old player. After all, tennis fans have indeed witnessed Serena Williams struggle due to her knee injuries back in 2004–2006.
On top of her previous injuries, she might also be hinting at her age, which can also add to her knee trouble. Not only that, she also added how her “competitive spirit” might be alive, but her focus right now is becoming the “best mom.” Therefore, whether she will end up performing with Coco Gauff or not remains a mystery. On the other hand for Coco Gauff, playing with Williams will be a dream come true.
Coco Gauff talks about playing with her idol, Serena Williams
Coco Gauff who is rapidly rising the ladder of success, won her first Grand Slam last year at the U.S. Open. Idolizing Serena Williams since she was a kid, Gauff later revealed how she hopes to do “half of what she did.” The World No. 3, who doesn’t want to compare herself to Williams, also addressed her as the G.O.A.T!
“She’s my idol. The only regret I’ll have for the rest of my life is not being able to play her. There were so many tournaments where if we won an extra round and didn’t lose, I would’ve played her. But I’m still happy to just be a product of her legacy and be out here for American tennis,” said Coco Gauff about the former World No. 1. Coco Gauff who turned pro in 2018, might have missed the golden opportunity to play with Serena Williams on-court, but their contribution in tennis will continue to turn heads in the tennis world.