For a quarter of a century, the tennis world was in awe of Serena Williams as she secured her place in history with 23 Grand Slam wins and a total of 73 titles. However, the narrative shifted when a fresh young talent, Coco Gauff, emerged, and at the tender age of 19, she made history by winning her first Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open. This feat made her the youngest female to ever clinch the title. In her post-match press conference, Gauff paid homage to the women who blazed the trail for her: “It’s an honor to be in that stat with Althea Gibson, Serena, Venus, Naomi, Sloane.. they paved the way for me to be here.” Gauff, currently the world’s No. 3, has used her platform to honor their legacy and contributions to the sport.
Before the world of tennis was graced by the likes of the Williams sisters, it was Althea Gibson who broke through the racial barriers in the sport. Gibson, the trailblazing tennis prodigy, became the first African American to win both Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals in 1957. This achievement catapulted her to the top of the world’s rankings by the year’s end. This was no small feat, considering the era’s deeply ingrained segregation within the sport, with major tournaments predominantly reserved for white players. Her monumental breakthrough occurred in 1950 when she was allowed to participate in the Eastern Lawn Tennis Association Grass Court Championships in New Jersey.
Her legacy is a testament to her unwavering determination and skill, inspiring countless athletes, including Gauff. Gauff paid tribute to Gibson on Instagram, sharing a reel dedicated to the tennis legend shortly after her 2023 US Open victory. Gauff’s mother, Candi, also celebrated both the tennis legend and her daughter’s achievement by sharing the reel on her Instagram story.
After her victory at the 2023 US Open, Gauff had to navigate a tumultuous journey in her career. Despite a dip in her performance following her win at Auckland, she bounced back triumphantly by winning the China Open and securing the WTA Finals against World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff’s influence extends beyond the tennis court, and she has used her platform to support Black students pursuing education. On February 5, the UNCF announced that Gauff had donated $100,000 to support HBCU students in competitive tennis, making her one of the youngest major donors. Gauff’s family’s affiliation with HBCUs inspired this generous contribution.
The young tennis star’s determination to uplift young Black athletes was evident in her words. She expressed her desire to assist the next generation of student-athletes in achieving their academic and tennis goals. The ‘Coco Gauff Scholarship Program,’ administered by UNCF, will award scholarships starting in May 2025.
The UNCF, which supports over 50,000 students across 1,100 colleges, is a significant force in empowering minority education. Gauff’s donation is noteworthy due to her age and influence. Inspired by her grandmother’s activism, the 20-year-old uses her platform to uplift her community and honor trailblazers like Althea Gibson and the Williams sisters.
Despite a setback in the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, Gauff’s spirit remains undeterred, and her influence on and off the court continues to grow. With her success, she aims to inspire others and be a beacon of hope.
