Coco Gauff, the young American tennis sensation, is being courted by none other than Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and husband of Serena Williams, for a starring role in an upcoming athletics event. Gauff’s remarkable speed and agility on the tennis court, traits that have been compared to those of a “track star,” have made her a sizzling prospect for the forthcoming Athlos NYC event.
Rick Macci, a former coach of Serena Williams, once likened Gauff to a “track star with a tennis racket in her hand.” Gauff herself confessed her affinity for track events after a victory over Jasmine Paolini in the Western & Southern Open semifinals, stating, “The 400 is really my race.” Her athletic prowess, honed through diverse sporting experiences including basketball and track, has been a distinguishing factor in her successful tennis career.
Coco Gauff’s athletic genes are undeniably a family affair. Her mother, Candi Gauff, was a accomplished track and field athlete at Florida State University, while her father, Corey Gauff, demonstrated his sporting prowess on the basketball court at Georgia State. But Coco’s passion for tennis prevailed, leading her to dedicate herself to the sport; however, she has never relinquished her love for running. Her track and field background has not only contributed to her explosive speed on the tennis court but has also fueled her ambition of potentially becoming an Olympian in more than one sport.
In a candid conversation with reporters following a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Wang Yafan at the National Bank Open in Toronto, Gauff reflected on her potential in track, saying, “I don’t know if I would have been as good as I was in tennis in track, but I strongly feel like if I would have trained I could have been an Olympian.” Now, her electrifying speed is drawing the attention of track and field enthusiasts, including Ohanian, who is keen on her participation in the Athlos NYC event.
Ohanian’s support for Gauff is not a new phenomenon. His recent tweet inviting Gauff to his next Athlos event is a testament to his continued admiration for the young tennis star. “I got a spot waiting for you in a trackside suite @CocoGauff ATHLOS 25,” he tweeted.
Athlos NYC is a groundbreaking event, specifically designed for women athletes to compete in track and field. The event, which debuted on September 26, 2024, at Icahn Stadium in New York City, boasted a star-studded lineup of 36 top-tier athletes, including Paris Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas and other Olympians like Masai Russell, Faith Kipyegon, Alexis Holmes, and Torrie Lewis. With a substantial prize pool that outshone other high-profile track events, Athlos NYC is reshaping the competitive landscape of the sport.
Gauff’s popularity extends beyond the tennis court, as evidenced by the awe and admiration expressed by her fellow athletes. Alaysha Johnson, an American hurdler, shared her star-struck experience of meeting Gauff at the Olympics, particularly praising Gauff’s distinctive and self-designed competition outfits. Ohanian, always the supportive figure, echoed his appreciation for both athletes, stating, “Here for Coco Gauff and Alaysha Johnson.”
As anticipation builds for the next Athlos NYC event, fans and athletes alike eagerly await Coco Gauff’s possible participation. Given her track record and the unwavering support from Alexis Ohanian, Gauff’s appearance at the event could be the next thrilling chapter in her versatile sporting journey.
