As the 2025 French Open unfolds on the storied clay courts of Roland Garros, tennis legend Venus Williams has once again found herself at the heart of the sport’s narrative—not as a player, but as a commentator and a figure of inspiration. During a recent TNT Sports broadcast, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion was asked a question that sparked intrigue among fans: Would she consider coaching Coco Gauff, the world No. 2 and one of America’s brightest tennis stars? Williams’ response was both candid and reflective, offering insight into her perspective on mentoring the next generation while highlighting the complexities of such a role.
At 44, Venus Williams is no stranger to the spotlight. A trailblazer who, alongside her sister Serena, redefined women’s tennis with power, grace, and resilience, she now lends her expertise from the commentary booth. Her storied career includes seven singles and 16 doubles Grand Slam titles, a testament to her dominance during her prime. Yet, when asked about guiding Gauff, Williams was unequivocal about why coaching her compatriot isn’t in the cards. “I was always playing against them,” she said, referring to Gauff and fellow American Madison Keys. “So, I never really got the chance to give them much advice. They were playing so well. I lost to both of them. So, it’s not easy to be in that position where you mentor and you’re playing against someone, but these girls know what they’re doing.”
Williams’ remarks stem from her competitive history with Gauff, who famously defeated her in straight sets at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships when Gauff was just 15, marking a seismic moment in tennis. The young prodigy went on to beat Williams again at the 2020 Australian Open, cementing her status as a rising star. These encounters, Williams explained, made it challenging to adopt a mentorship role. “It’s not easy to be in that position where you mentor and you’re playing against someone,” she reiterated, underscoring the delicate balance between competitor and coach.
Despite her reluctance to take on a formal coaching role, Williams expressed admiration for Gauff’s passion and potential. “I love her passion,” she said of the 21-year-old, who has already claimed the 2023 US Open singles title and the 2024 French Open doubles crown alongside Katerina Siniakova. However, Williams offered a gentle critique, suggesting that Gauff could benefit from easing the pressure she places on herself. “I think sometimes she is too hard on herself,” Williams noted. “I think she’s got to just let go and allow herself to do what she can do. She has such big expectations of herself, so I’d love to see her win here. She’s come close. I know she wants to win.”
Gauff’s journey at the 2025 French Open has been nothing short of impressive. Fresh off a final appearance at the Italian Open, she kicked off her Roland Garros campaign with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over Australia’s Olivia Gadecki on May 27. Her performance on the clay courts has solidified her reputation as a formidable force, with analysts noting her growth since reaching the singles final in 2022, where she fell to Iga Swiatek. Gauff’s milestone of achieving 20 women’s singles wins at the French Open—the youngest American to do so in the Open Era—has drawn comparisons to her idol, Serena Williams, further fueling expectations for her first singles title at Roland Garros.
Williams’ perspective on Gauff’s mindset echoes sentiments shared by others in the tennis community, including former British player Tim Henman, who expressed concern about Gauff’s mental approach heading into the tournament. Yet, Williams remains a staunch supporter, cheering for her compatriot’s success. “I am a big fan of the Americans, always rooting for them,” she said. “Coco, I am a huge fan.” Her words reflect a deep respect for Gauff’s talent and a hope that she can channel her passion into a breakthrough victory.
The dynamic between Williams and Gauff is layered with history. The two played doubles together at the 2021 French Open, a rare moment of collaboration between the veteran and the rising star. Gauff has often cited Venus and Serena as her inspirations, crediting them for paving the way for her success in a sport where Black women have historically faced barriers. Her admiration was evident after her 2019 Wimbledon win, when she told Williams at the net, “Thank you for what you did, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
As Gauff continues her quest for French Open glory, Williams’ decision to step back from coaching underscores her belief in the young star’s independence. “These girls know what they’re doing,” she affirmed, a nod to Gauff and Keys’ ability to navigate their careers. For now, Williams is content to cheer from the sidelines, offering support as Gauff chases her dreams on the Parisian clay. Whether Gauff can heed Williams’ advice to ease her self-imposed expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Venus Williams continues to inspire, even as she leaves coaching to others.
# Venus Williams Addresses Possibility of Coaching Coco Gauff at 2025 French Open
## A Legend’s Perspective
At the 2025 French Open, Venus Williams, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, was asked during a TNT Sports broadcast if she would consider coaching Coco Gauff, the world No. 2 and a rising American star. Williams, now 44 and serving as a commentator, offered a thoughtful response rooted in her competitive history with Gauff.
## Competitive History
“I was always playing against them,” Williams said, recalling her matches against Gauff and Madison Keys. Gauff defeated Williams in straight sets at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships and the 2020 Australian Open, moments that highlighted her emergence as a prodigy. “It’s not easy to be in that position where you mentor and you’re playing against someone,” Williams explained, emphasizing the challenge of mentoring a rival.
## Praise and Advice
Williams expressed admiration for Gauff’s passion, stating, “I love her passion.” However, she suggested that Gauff could benefit from being less self-critical. “I think sometimes she is too hard on herself,” Williams noted. “I think she’s got to just let go and allow herself to do what she can do. She has such big expectations of herself, so I’d love to see her win here.”
## Gauff’s 2025 French Open Campaign
Gauff, 21, has been a standout at Roland Garros, starting with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Olivia Gadecki on May 27. Her 20 singles wins at the French Open make her the youngest American to reach this milestone in the Open Era, surpassing even Serena Williams. With a 2023 US Open singles title and a 2024 French Open doubles title, Gauff is a favorite to claim her first singles crown in Paris.
## A Shared Legacy
Williams and Gauff share a unique bond, having played doubles together at the 2021 French Open. Gauff has long credited Venus and Serena Williams as inspirations, famously thanking Venus after her 2019 Wimbledon victory. While Williams opts not to coach, her support for Gauff remains unwavering. “I am a big fan of the Americans, always rooting for them,” she said. “Coco, I am a huge fan.”
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