Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, is renowned not only for her prowess on the tennis court but also for her unique outlook on life and commitment to various social and environmental causes. Gauff’s authenticity, humility and down-to-earth nature have earned her a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. She’s just as comfortable on her couch enjoying her favorite Marvel movies as she is on the tennis court, serving up a storm.
As the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) gears up for the Sunshine Double, starting with the Indian Wells Open, players have been actively engaging with their fans on social media. On International Women’s Day, the WTA asked their players to share the women who inspire them. The responses were heartwarming, with several top players choosing their mothers or other family members as their sources of inspiration.
But Coco Gauff made a standout choice. She chose the versatile and acclaimed actress Cynthia Erivo as her source of inspiration on Women’s Day. A powerhouse of talent, Erivo has displayed her acting prowess on both stage and screen, earning her a host of accolades including a Tony, Grammy, and Daytime Emmy Award. She is perhaps best known for her stirring portrayal of Celie in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple,’ and her roles in films like ‘Harriet’ and ‘Wicked.’
Gauff hailed Erivo’s talent and expressed her admiration for the actress, stating, “She’s so talented. She’s getting her flowers but I definitely think they’re long overdue, so I would like to give my flowers to her. I think she’s incredible and she deserves all the attention and all the love that she gets.” This message of love and respect from one powerful woman to another comes at a time of controversy for Erivo, who has come under scrutiny for her upcoming role as Jesus Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’
The casting decision has sparked a backlash online, with reactions ranging from amusement to anger, and accusations of blasphemy. Despite the controversy, Gauff’s support for Erivo remains steadfast. Gauff has a history of supporting influential figures in pop culture. For instance, during Black History Month, she shared a powerful message about the importance of celebrating and amplifying Black voices and fighting for racial equality.
Gauff’s support extends to fellow Black women who have made significant strides in tennis, such as Althea Gibson, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams. And while she didn’t mention her mother or grandmother on Women’s Day, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t appreciate them. She has frequently expressed her gratitude for their influence on her life and her outspokenness on certain issues.
Earlier this month, after a grueling match against Moyuka Uchijima at Indian Wells, Gauff expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the special women in her life. She acknowledged her mother, Candi, for her unwavering support, and her grandmother, Yvonne Odom, a stage 4 lung cancer survivor and civil rights era activist, for inspiring her to use tennis as a platform to fight for equality.
Coco Gauff’s deep appreciation for her family is palpable, and while she continues to inspire fans with her talent and activism, it’s clear that her roots play a crucial role in her journey.