Coco Gauff steals the limelight at WTA’s 50th anniversary celebrations as she honors Serena Williams and other stalwarts

Gauff gave a heartfelt speech addressing her idols.

Coco Gauff steals the limelight at WTA’s 50th anniversary celebrations as she honors Serena Williams and other stalwarts

Coco Gauff (Images via @cocogauff/X)

WTA recently hosted an event to celebrate 50 years of its formation. The event saw the presence of giant names in tennis, from Coco Gauff to Chris Evert.

In a memorable speech addressing the women in tennis, Gauff talked about the contributions of the legends in the sport. She went on to laud the “unafraid” women for breaking the barriers to make WTA a reality and empowering the younger generation to carry forth the established legacy.

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In her speech, Gauff said how walking into the event felt like walking into a women’s tennis history book that has come to life. “The WTA history that we all celebrate, is about a tour founded by women who were unafraid, and carried on by women who are empowered by the legacy we work every day to build upon,” she said.

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Talking about her idol Serena Williams, Coco said,” In Serena Williams, I watched someone who dominated women’s tennis in a way no one else has ever had. More importantly, I saw someone who looked like me, and helped me believe I could achieve as I follow my own unique path.”

“These women, and so many others, were trailblazers, who have given every generation after them the opportunity and the inspiration to find our voices, and the global platform to speak out about issues that matter to us,” the 19-year-old mentioned.

The American, in her speech further highlighted that looking at the WTA tour, she could see the hard work, drive, passion, and determination to excel and continue to fight for the women in the game. Addressing the upcoming generation of tennis players, Gauff hoped that they’d be as inspired by them as they were by a lot of attendees. Gauff went on to wish the WTA a ‘Happy 50th’. The American teen didn’t forget to address that her journey had been incredible and that she was grateful and happy to be a part of WTA’s future.

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Coco Gauff shuts down the trolls over her nails

Coco Gauff (via WTA)
Coco Gauff (Image via WTA)

World No. 6 Coco Gauff has achieved monumental success this year, winning the titles at the Citi Open as well as the Cincinnati Open. The teenager also managed to defeat World No. 1 Iga Swiatek at Cincinnati for the very first time in the last eight clashes they’ve had. Amid this, Gauff was recently trolled for her nail length.

The 19-year-old was criticized for keeping her nails long. Some of her trolls seemed concerned, stating that long nails could be the reason for her poor forearm. Responding to those comments, Gauff was quoted as saying, “I know a lot of people think I need to cut my nails to help me with my forehand better. I’m like, I did try the short nails, and it did not make my forehand better. These are here to stay.”

Citing examples of tennis players like Serena and Venus Williams having long nails, she talked about how they were never affected by it. The prodigy further stated that people can think whatever they want, but at the end of the day, it is her choice. And that she likes them now as they are.

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