On April 9, 2025, Coco Gauff, the reigning World No. 3 tennis phenom, took a moment to reflect on the towering figure who shaped her dreams and propelled her into the sport she now dominates. In a heartfelt tribute, the 20-year-old American star paid homage to Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, calling her the very reason she picked up a racket in the first place. Gauff’s words, brimming with admiration, underscored the profound influence Williams has had—not just on her career, but on an entire generation of players who saw themselves in the trailblazing icon.
Gauff’s journey to tennis stardom began in her childhood, her eyes glued to the television as Williams carved her name into the annals of sporting history. “She’s why I play tennis,” Gauff declared, her voice carrying the weight of gratitude and awe. Growing up in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff watched a Black woman from a similar background conquer a predominantly white sport, shattering barriers with every ferocious serve and unrelenting forehand. That image—of someone who looked like her dominating the game—ignited a spark in the young Gauff, convincing her that she, too, could chase greatness on the court.
The story of their connection is as serendipitous as it is inspiring. Gauff still chuckles when she recalls their first meeting, a moment so surreal she initially mistook Williams for a stunt double. It happened years ago, when a wide-eyed Gauff was practicing at a facility where Williams was filming a commercial. “I thought I was seeing a stunt double at first, but then it hit me, and I was beyond excited!” she reminisced. That chance encounter blossomed into a mentorship, with Williams offering wisdom and encouragement to the rising star. For Gauff, having her idol transition from a poster on her wall to a friend and guide is a dream she still pinches herself to believe.
Williams’ influence on Gauff extends far beyond technical prowess or competitive drive. It’s personal, cultural, and deeply symbolic. “Tennis being a predominantly white sport, [her presence] definitely helped a lot because I saw somebody who looked like me dominating the game,” Gauff explained. That visibility gave her the confidence to pursue her passion, even when she felt like an outsider in a world where representation was scarce. She credits Williams—and her sister Venus—for showing her that success wasn’t just possible, but attainable, no matter the odds. “It made me believe that I could dominate, too,” she added, her words echoing the quiet determination that has defined her ascent.
Now, as Gauff etches her own legacy, she’s quick to honor the woman who paved the way. Her trophy case is growing—nine WTA singles titles, including the 2023 US Open and the 2024 WTA Finals—but she measures her achievements against the backdrop of Williams’ unparalleled career. “Being in the same stat line as her means a lot to me,” Gauff said after her latest triumph in Riyadh, where she became the youngest American to win the WTA Finals since Williams in 2001. The parallel isn’t lost on her: both women, at different points in history, have carried the torch for American tennis, inspiring countless others along the way.
Williams, for her part, has returned the admiration. Years ago, during a press conference, she marveled at Gauff’s precocious talent, saying, “She’s just impressive all around. I was nowhere near her level at 15, not even close.” That praise from the “GOAT,” as Gauff affectionately calls her, remains a cherished memory. Yet, Gauff isn’t content to simply follow in Williams’ footsteps—she’s forging her own path, blending athletic brilliance with a fearless sense of self. Her recent hairstyle tributes to the Williams sisters, complete with beads and braids, are a nod to their cultural impact, a way of saying “thank you” through every swing of her racket.
As Gauff prepares for her next challenge, her shoutout to Williams reverberates across the tennis world. It’s a reminder of how one legend’s dominance reshaped the sport, opening doors for a new wave of talent. For Gauff, it’s personal: without Williams, there might not have been a Coco Gauff, World No. 3, Grand Slam champion, and beacon of hope for the next generation. “The legacy she’s left is something no one else can touch,” Gauff said, her voice steady with conviction. And as she continues to rise, she carries that legacy forward, one match, one title, one inspired dream at a time.