At just 20, Coco Gauff is already reaching numerous career highs. Last year, she won the US Open, her maiden Grand Slam title, which put her among the top tennis stars list. Further, her massive victory also led to comparisons to the legends of American tennis like Serena and Venus Williams. Recently, Gauff made a heartfelt revelation about them.
The American sensation is gearing up for the Paris Olympics later this year. Gauff will carry her country’s hopes in the tournament and she is one of the favorites to win the gold medal there. Let’s find out what she had to say about the legendary Williams sisters.
Serena and Venus Williams made a young Coco Gauff believe in herself
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Earlier this week, Gauff unveiled a renovated tennis court in Delray Beach, Florida. It is a part of the USTA’s $3 Million US Open Legacy Initiative and was created in honor of Gauff’s US Open victory last year. Ahead of the Miami Open, the American sensation was present to do the honors, where she also talked about her inspirations in tennis.
Talking about the impact on the community and where she took inspiration from, Gauff revealed, “I saw myself in Serena and Venus. And so it made me believe that I could do something. I am a product of the strong community — and the village it took to get me to where I am now.”
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Further, she went on to add, “First, here is because I think of the court that made the impact to me in the community, put so much into me so I have to give back to the community.” While Gauff has drawn comparisons to the Williams sisters, she has always looked up to them in her tennis career. Gauff once also revealed the prospects of facing the younger Williams sister on the tennis court.
Gauff wasn’t ready to face Serena Williams
Fortunately or unfortunately, Gauff has never faced Serena Williams on the WTA Tour. While the American sensation was still an emerging player, Serena Williams was nearing the end of her career. Nonetheless, Gauff dreamt of her chances if she could’ve faced the younger Williams sister. She said, “Playing Serena at Wimbledon, I don’t know, I feel like it would have messed up my story. I wasn’t ready for Serena at that time.”
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DIVE DEEPER: 20-Year-Old Coco Gauff Cuts an Idolizing Figure as American Peer Sends Adulatory Message
Meanwhile, Gauff is the third seed in Miami. She has received a bye in the opening round and will begin her campaign in the round of 64. Can she achieve success at the Miami Open? Let us know your views in the comments below.