In the world of professional tennis, few names resonate as powerfully as Serena Williams. For Coco Gauff, a rising star who has already carved her own path in the sport, Williams’ legacy is more than just a record of victories—it’s a blueprint for resilience, self-respect, and ambition. Gauff, now a Grand Slam champion, has often spoken about the profound impact Williams had on her journey, particularly as a young Black woman navigating the pressures of a predominantly white sport. One lesson, in particular, stands out: the refusal to settle for less, a mindset that Gauff credits to Williams’ unapologetic pursuit of excellence.
Growing up in Florida’s competitive tennis scene, Gauff found inspiration in Williams from an early age. At just four years old, she picked up a racket, dreaming of emulating the sisters who dominated the sport—Serena and Venus Williams. For Gauff, seeing a world No. 1 player who “looked like me” was revolutionary. It wasn’t just about their shared background; it was about witnessing someone who carried herself with unwavering confidence and never compromised her worth. “Sometimes being a woman, a Black woman in the world, you settle for less,” Gauff once reflected. “I feel like Serena taught me that, from watching her, she never settled for less. I can’t remember a moment in her career or life that she settled for less.”
This lesson became a guiding principle for Gauff as she rose through the ranks. At 15, she stunned the tennis world by defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019, a moment that felt like a passing of the torch. The victory wasn’t just a career-defining milestone; it was deeply personal. Gauff had grown up idolizing both Williams sisters, and the opportunity to compete against Venus—and later speak with both her and Serena—cemented their influence on her journey. “It’s just the way that she handles herself—she never puts herself down,” Gauff said of Serena. “I love that she always elevates herself.”
Serena Williams’ career is a testament to that elevation. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, including three French Open victories in 2002, 2013, and 2015, and two doubles titles alongside Venus in 1999 and 2010, Serena redefined what was possible in tennis. Her 2002 French Open win came against Venus in a historic sibling showdown, while her 2013 triumph over Maria Sharapova showcased her dominance in her 30s. Perhaps most inspiring was her 2015 victory against Lucie Safarova, where she battled illness to claim her 20th Major, proving her grit extended far beyond the court. For Gauff, these moments were more than highlights—they were proof that barriers could be shattered.
Gauff’s own journey echoes that defiance. In 2022, at just 18, she reached the French Open final, a milestone that marked her as a serious contender. Though she fell short of the title, her performance signaled her potential to carry forward the legacy of players like Williams. Gauff’s 2025 French Open victory further solidified her place among tennis’ elite, a triumph that felt like a culmination of the lessons she’d absorbed from her role model. “I’m trying to learn to not settle for less,” Gauff has said, a nod to the mindset that propelled her to that historic win.
Beyond the court, Williams’ influence on Gauff extends to her approach to self-worth. In a world where Black women often face systemic pressures to diminish themselves, Serena’s refusal to do so resonated deeply. Whether it was her bold fashion choices, her advocacy for equal pay, or her unapologetic celebration of her achievements, Williams set a standard that Gauff strives to emulate. “She never puts herself down,” Gauff noted, highlighting how Williams’ confidence became a beacon for younger athletes.
For Gauff, the impact of Williams’ legacy is also personal. Raised in a sport where representation was scarce, she found in Serena a figure who not only excelled but also redefined the narrative around Black women in tennis. This inspiration has fueled Gauff’s determination to push boundaries, both in her game and in her advocacy for equity in sports. As she continues to build her career, Gauff carries forward the lesson that settling for less is not an option—a legacy that began with Serena Williams and now burns brightly in the next generation.
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