Coco Gauff has candidly shared how Serena and Venus Williams significantly impacted her early tennis journey, helping her navigate the challenges of the sport.
At just 20 years old, Gauff has already made waves in the tennis world, clinching her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open in 2023 and reaching a remarkable career-high ranking of world No. 2 this summer. Despite her success, she reflected on the hurdles she faced as a young player in a predominantly white sport.
In a video produced by Baker Tilly, Gauff discussed the complexities of being Black in tennis, explaining how it can feel isolating. “What makes me unique? I mean we’re all one of one, so we’re all unique,” she stated. “There’s never going to be another one of me, and there’s never going to be another one of anybody. That’s a cool thing to think about… Finding myself was difficult. Being Black in tennis can sometimes make you stick out like a sore thumb.”
She elaborated on how tennis isn’t widely recognized in the Black community, recalling that when she mentioned her love for the sport, it often didn’t resonate with those around her. “Nobody really knew anything about it,” she admitted. Yet, Gauff credited the Williams sisters for providing vital representation. “Having role models like Serena and Venus to look up to made a difference,” she noted.
Gauff reminisced about a memorable moment watching Venus play at the US Open, where her father secured second-row tickets. “We were so close, and that was a cool experience,” she recalled. Such moments fueled her passion, reinforcing her belief that success is attainable in a sport where she often felt out of place. “Just because the sport is predominantly white, seeing someone who looks like you succeed makes you believe you can follow that passion,” Gauff reflected. “Hopefully, I can be that source of inspiration for someone else.”
In her career, Gauff has openly acknowledged the influence of the Williams sisters, especially during their encounters on the court. She notably played doubles with Venus at the French Open in 2021, following her victory over Venus at Wimbledon as a 15-year-old in 2019.
The Williams sisters, with Venus holding seven Grand Slam singles titles and Serena boasting an Open Era record of 23, have left an indelible mark on the sport, also securing 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together. Their legacy continues to inspire young athletes like Gauff, paving the way for future generations.