Disinterested in Copying Idol Serena Williams, US Open Hot-Favorite Coco Gauff Remains Firm on Crucial Tennis Decision – ‘She’s the Greatest Player of All Time’

Coco Gauff is just 19 years of age and she’s already rocking on the tennis circuit. At such a young age, the American tennis sensation has already drawn comparisons to compatriot, Serena Williams. Ever since facing Venus Williams for the first time in a Grand Slam main draw, Gauff has made massive strides on the WTA Tour. But recently, she talked about why she is disinterested in imitating her idol, Serena.

The American sensation has breezed into the US Open third round with contrasting wins. While she had to dig deep to emerge victorious in three sets in her opening round match, it was a fairly straightforward two-set victory for Gauff in the second round. Nonetheless, she remains a hot favorite to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title at this year’s US Open. Let’s find out what she said about following in Serena’s footsteps.

Coco Gauff makes an important decision about her idol Serena

During an exclusive interview with People, the 19-year-old Gauff revealed that she won’t be following in the footsteps of Serena. The American star confessed that Serena is the G.O.A.T. and that she’ll be one of a kind.

Talking about it, Gauff revealed, “I don’t think anybody will [take Serena’s mantle] because she’s just one of a kind. But I will try my best to be the best Coco.” Further, Gauff also went on to explain the pressure that comes with comparison to Serena. However, she had a different point of view, saying, “It does put a little bit less pressure in a way because she is the greatest player of all time.”

Although Gauff has grown up watching Serena and considers her an idol, she prefers being her and creating an own identity. On the other hand, she also believed that the American legend’s achievements on and off the court were difficult to match.

DIVE DEEPER: 6-Year-Old American Tennis Drought Could Potentially End as Coco Gauff Becomes Torch-Bearer to Bag Giant US Open Feat That Eluded Even Serena Williams

Before the start of the US Open, the 19-year-old opened up about the expectations from people now that Serena has retired. Here’s what she said.

Gauff on people looking up to her

Being at the top of the game at just 19 can bring added expectations from people. Ask Coco Gauff, who has been billed as one of the favorites to win the US Open this year. During an interview, she said, “Sometimes I guess it increases the pressure because I know that this community of people, the community of people of color, black people, look up to me a lot.” Like Serena, Gauff too is creating a wave of change by inspiring the community to emerge with their best.

Along with singles, Gauff has also participated in women’s doubles and mixed doubles. It’ll be interesting to see how she finishes at her home Grand Slam tournament.

WATCH THIS STORY: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams And Others In The Greatest Career Comebacks In Tennis