Coco Gauff may be on the fast track to tennis greatness, but don’t expect the 20-year-old American phenom to obsess over becoming World No. 1—at least not yet.
Despite winning the 2024 WTA Finals and China Open, catapulting her to World No. 3, Gauff remains laser-focused on improvement rather than rankings. In a recent interview with DAZN, she dismissed the pressure of climbing the rankings, admitting that she doesn’t track point calculations like some of her peers.
“I think just improving and seeing where it goes. For me, the points thing is just, first of all, too mathematical. I don’t know how people come up with all these different scenarios. It’s pretty impressive.”
Instead of crunching numbers, Gauff wants to let her game do the talking.
“I just focus on trying to win, and the ranking comes with that. Obviously, the goal would be to be No. 1—that would be awesome—but it’s not something I’m checking every week.”
The Long Road to No. 1: Why Gauff Isn’t in a Rush
While Gauff’s talent makes a future at No. 1 seem inevitable, the reality is that Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek currently dominate the top spots.
- Sabalenka leads the rankings with a 3,000+ point cushion, and with few points to defend before the clay season, catching her won’t be easy.
- Swiatek, sitting at No. 2, shares Gauff’s mentality, prioritizing growth over ranking chases.
Still, Gauff’s patience makes sense. At just 20 years old, she’s still refining her game. Her breakout at Wimbledon in 2019 as a 15-year-old prodigy may make fans forget how much time she has left to reach her peak.
More Than a Tennis Star: Gauff’s Impact On & Off the Court
Gauff’s rise isn’t just about her powerful forehand or athletic dominance—it’s about her charisma, humor, and commitment to social issues.
- At the 2025 Australian Open, Gauff had fans cracking up when she shared a bizarre, lighthearted story about explaining on Instagram how to use the bathroom in her bodysuit—quickly clarifying that she didn’t physically demonstrate it.
- She donated $100,000 to historically Black colleges and universities, helping students pursue both tennis and education.
Unlike Sabalenka’s fiery personality or Swiatek’s quiet intensity, Gauff brings a unique blend of humor, intelligence, and activism, making her one of the most well-rounded stars in the sport.
The Future: Can Gauff Take Over Women’s Tennis?
While becoming World No. 1 isn’t Gauff’s priority, her trajectory suggests it’s only a matter of time.
- She won her first Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open.
- She’s already beaten the best players in the world and continues to improve.
- Her mental game and composure have matured, making her a true contender for every major title.
With her talent, personality, and growing fanbase, when Gauff eventually does reach No. 1, she’ll be one of the most popular champions in WTA history.
For now? She’s just having fun, getting better, and letting the rankings take care of themselves.
