Coco Gauff, at just 20 years old, is rapidly cementing her legacy in tennis, and she recently received high praise from one of the sport’s legends: Venus Williams. Gauff, the current number one player for the United States, is often hailed as the future of American tennis, and she’s following in the footsteps of the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, who revolutionized the sport. With a Grand Slam title under her belt and an ever-growing list of accolades, Gauff is preparing to chase her next major triumph at the WTA Finals in November 2024, where she will look to add to her already impressive career.
For Gauff, the influence of Venus and Serena Williams has been monumental. Both on and off the court, the Williams sisters have been trailblazers, setting new standards for excellence in women’s tennis. Gauff, who grew up watching them, has often spoken about how much their careers inspired her. And now, with Venus Williams publicly acknowledging Gauff’s success, it feels as though a full-circle moment is taking place—one great champion passing the torch to the next generation.
So, what exactly did Venus Williams have to say about Coco Gauff? Venus, who has recently been busy with media appearances promoting her new book, *Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome*, was asked about the young tennis sensation during an interview on the *Tamron Hall Show*. The 44-year-old, who is a seven-time Grand Slam champion herself, expressed nothing but admiration and support for Gauff. “It’s so exciting to see her explode,” Williams said, clearly thrilled by Gauff’s meteoric rise in the sport. “She’s fantastic, and of course, I hope she wins every match.”
The connection between Venus and Gauff is deeper than mere admiration. Gauff, who idolized the Williams sisters growing up, was in the crowd as a child for one of Venus Williams’ matches at the US Open—a moment that clearly made a lasting impression. For Gauff to now be recognized and praised by someone she once looked up to is a testament to how far she’s come in such a short time. Venus, whose own career has spanned decades, understands better than most the challenges Gauff will face, but she’s confident the young star is up to the task.
Gauff’s career trajectory has certainly been impressive. She burst onto the scene in 2019, at just 15 years old, when she stunned the tennis world by defeating Venus Williams in the first round at Wimbledon. That match, which ended 6-4, 6-4 in Gauff’s favor, was a symbolic changing of the guard. The match not only marked Gauff’s arrival on the global tennis stage but also highlighted her potential to become one of the sport’s greats. To defeat Venus, a seasoned champion with decades of experience, was no small feat, and it showed the world that Gauff was a force to be reckoned with.
The two would meet again the following year at the Australian Open, with Gauff once again coming out on top, this time in a hard-fought 7-6(5), 6-3 victory. Both encounters were significant, not just because of the wins but because they represented the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. For Gauff, defeating Venus—a player she had long admired—was more than just a career highlight; it was a moment of validation, showing that she belonged among the elite.
However, the dynamic between Gauff and Venus isn’t just limited to competition. In 2021, the two paired up for the French Open, entering the women’s doubles event together. Though they ultimately fell in a three-set battle against the team of Zheng Saisai and Ellen Perez (7-6, 4-6, 3-6), their partnership was a special moment for fans. It represented a unique blend of experience and youth, with Venus offering her wisdom and guidance to Gauff, and Gauff bringing her youthful energy and ambition to the court. Despite the loss, their collaboration was a memorable chapter in both of their careers.
For Gauff, the endorsements from players like Venus are invaluable. In tennis, as in any sport, the path to greatness is often marked by the support and acknowledgment of those who came before. Venus and Serena Williams paved the way for players like Gauff, breaking barriers and showing that dominance in tennis could look different than it had in previous generations. Gauff, with her mix of power, speed, and intelligence on the court, has taken those lessons to heart. Now, she is on her own journey, one that many believe could see her achieve the same legendary status as her idols.
With the WTA Finals looming and the 2024 season on the horizon, Gauff is poised to continue building her legacy. After winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, the world is watching closely to see what she will accomplish next. The expectations are high, but if her past is any indication, Gauff thrives under pressure. As Venus Williams said, Gauff’s potential seems limitless, and she has the drive and determination to reach new heights in the sport.
As the baton passes from one generation to the next, the future of American tennis looks incredibly bright with Coco Gauff leading the charge. The journey won’t be easy, and there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, but with role models like Venus and Serena Williams paving the way, Gauff is well-equipped to handle whatever comes her way. Tennis fans around the world can look forward to watching her rise, knowing that the sport is in good hands for years to come.