‘Grateful’ Coco Gauff admits having role models like Venus and Serena Williams eventually “made the difference” in her career
World No.3 Coco Gauff reveals the major impact American legends Serena Williams and Venus Williams made on her career.
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Coco Gauff, (in circle) Venus Williams and Serena Williams (via Daily Express/NBC News)
Coco Gauff has been arguably one of the best talents in women’s tennis in recent times. With already a Grand Slam title to her name, she has proven she can compete on the biggest stage of the sport. She recently revealed that her achievements have been a result of the impact of Serena Williams and Venus Williams on her career.
Serena Williams and Venus Williams dominated women’s tennis for nearly 2 decades, with both championing the rise of black American stars. The former won an Open Era WTA record of 23 major singles titles, while the latter claimed seven Grand Slam singles titles. The pair also combined to win 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
With Serena Williams already retired, Gauff attempts to fill in the void. The 20-year-old claimed her first major title at the US Open last year, becoming the youngest player to do so since Serena in 1999. This season, she reached two major semifinals and also claimed the French Open doubles title.
She has won eight WTA singles titles, including two this year. In a recent interview, she revealed that her success on the court could be traced to the impact of the Williams sisters.
I feel like for me, having role models like Serena and Venus to look up to made a difference. Honestly, I just remember watching Venus at the US Open. My dad got second-row tickets and we were so close and that was a cool thing. That’s what pushes me to keep going. Just because the sport is predominantly white, you believe you can do that passion when you see somebody that looks like you being successful.
Coco Gauff said via Tennis365
Gauff will compete at the WTA Finals for the second consecutive time in her career. The World No.3 will hope she claims the title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Serena Williams ex-coach admits Coco Gauff would be World No.1
Coco Gauff claimed a deserved second title of the season after beating Karolina Muchova in a straight set at the China Open. She went on to reach the semifinals of the Wuhan Open where she lost to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in three sets.
The American had a horrible North American swing, but things have changed since the Asian swing. She has found a game rhythm after months of struggle. Serena Williams’s ex-coach, Rick Macci, praised her, saying she would be “number one” at one point in the WTA rankings.
Her overall quickness is number One. Her make up speed is number One. Her backbone is number One. Her slice serve on the deuce court is number One. Coming soon to a court near you Coco Gauff will be number One. @CocoGauff.
Rick Macci wrote via X
Her overall quickness is number One. Her make up speed is number One. Her backbone is number One. Her slice serve on the duce court is number One. Coming soon to a court near you Coco Gauff will be number One. @CocoGauff
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) October 22, 2024
Gauff is not a contender for the World No.1 position heading into the WTA Finals. The 20-year-old did reach her career-high ranking of No.2 in June but has dropped to No.3 and will likely end the year in that position. The WTA Finals in Riyadh will begin on November 2 and will feature the best players from the women’s circuit.
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Victor Okechukwu
(688 Articles Published)