In an inspiring turn of events, tennis prodigy Coco Gauff unabashedly hails Serena Williams as her ultimate idol and mentor, cementing Williams’ enduring legacy as the undisputed GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in her universe. This revelation isn’t surprising, considering Gauff’s long-standing admiration for the Williams sisters.
From her childhood days of jovially swaying to “Call Me Maybe” during a Venus Williams’ match at the US Open, to the present, Gauff has continually expressed her deep-seated admiration for the tennis duo, particularly Serena. Gauff’s fascination extends from Williams’ iconic fashion sense to her ferocious gameplay. In a heartfelt letter penned on the NBC Olympics website last year, Gauff expressed her awe of her mentor, Serena, who transitioned from a picture on a poster to a real-life friend and guide. Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, has played a pivotal role in opening doors for Black American women in the world of tennis, a fact that Gauff appreciates deeply.
Currently, the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation for the Sunshine Double, where Gauff and other tennis elites are battling it out at the Indian Wells Open for the top position in the 1000s events. In a recent interaction with the BNP Paribas Instagram team, players revealed their most famous contacts. Iga Swiatek mentioned “Rafa” and Carlos Alcaraz dropped Neymar’s name, but Gauff’s choice was predictably Serena Williams. Given Serena’s unparalleled status in the tennis world, it’s hardly a surprise that Gauff idolizes her.
Despite retiring in 2022, Serena Williams remains a radiant figure, frequently sharing endearing moments with her daughters on social media, actively promoting her brand WYN, and making waves with Serena Ventures. As of February 2025, she boasts an impressive net worth of $340 million, securing her a spot on Forbes’ “America’s Self-Made Women” list. The fact that Gauff is in touch with such an influential figure is truly awe-inspiring.
The profound influence of Venus and Serena Williams on Gauff’s career is a recurrent theme in her narrative. In a candid conversation with Baker Tilly US, Gauff shared her journey as a Black athlete navigating a predominantly white sport. She acknowledged the indispensable role the Williams sisters played in her personal and professional growth. Gauff’s success, including being in the top three of the WTA rankings and boasting nine singles titles, is a testament to the trailblazing path charted by the Williams sisters.
The influence of the Williams sisters extends beyond the tennis court, empowering Gauff to face the challenges of her sport head-on. Gauff’s recent triumphs at the China Open and other events have solidified her position as a rising tennis star.
In February, in honor of Black History Month, Gauff teamed up with Carol’s Daughter to debut a stunning look featuring beaded cornrows, a touching tribute to Serena and Venus Williams. The Williams sisters were known for their iconic beaded hairstyles on the tennis court in the early 2000s. Gauff’s collaboration with Carol’s Daughter, a brand known for celebrating Black beauty, underscores her deep respect for her idols.
As Gauff gears up to compete against Maria Sakkari at the Indian Wells Open, tennis enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see if she can replicate Serena Williams’ past victories. Will Gauff clinch the title this time? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
