Coco Gauff‘s thrilling victory at the US Open 2023 catapulted her into fame, leading the 19-year-old to become a household name in the country. The Serena Williams comparisons have not been far-fetched either, who has served as an inspiration to many, including Gauff. While the young tennis star has always talked about her admiration for the legend, it seems like the 19-year-old follows her footsteps closely.
But do you think Coco Gauff has more names besides Serena Williams who inspired her to run for greatness? In a recent conversation at Doha, the young champ revealed her sole fanship for the American tennis legend.
Coco Gauff’s admiration spectrum revolves entirely around Serena Williams
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nineteen-year-old tennis star Coco Gauff has been consistent about expressing her admiration for Serena Williams. Gauff recognizes that while multiple individuals can achieve greatness in their own way, there can only be one “greatest of all time.” Serena is the only one who, according to Gauff, has ruled the WTA eras.
Coco Gauff saw Venus and Serena Williams playing at the US Open. Now she is the youngest American US Open champion since Serena Williams in 1999 🤯
This is a prime example of being able to SEE what you can BE.
This is why representation matters…in Sports, Tech,…
— Ingrid Riley (@ingridriley) September 9, 2023
“Obviously, there’s only going to be one greatest of all time and I just feel like no matter what I do, I don’t think anything I’ll do will compare to what Serena [Williams] did for the sport and the game and with the amount of times she won,” Gauff said.
Gauff’s humble admission of Serena’s greatness along with mentioning that there’s no possibility of matching her legacy not only marked high levels of dedication but also set an example of how rising stars should respect the achievements of legends.
ALSO READ: From Beyonce to Avatar, 5 Times Serena Williams Stunned the World With Unexpected Cameos
Gauff’s ‘only regret’ in life
Besides the endless words of admiration that Coco Gauff consistently utters for Serena Williams, the biggest regret of the young champ’s life is also associated with the American tennis legend. While the 19-year-old was enjoying the immense fame that followed her massive win at the US Open, she expressed her affinity for Serena in a unique way.
“The only regret I’ll have for the rest of my life is not being able to play her. There were so many tournaments where if we won an extra round and didn’t lose, I would’ve played her,” Gauff told PEOPLE. However, realizing the fact that this competition that she urges for isn’t possible, she settled her thoughts by adding, “But I’m still happy to just be a product of her legacy and be out here for American tennis.”
As Gauff continues to reveal her never-ending admiration for Serena Williams part by part, her bucket of love for the tennis legend is something huge that will likely constantly overflow.
Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad