‘If It Wasn’t for Richard..’ – Mother’s Emotional Confession on How 18-Year-Old Coco Gauff Is Indebted to Venus and Serena Williams

Legendary American sister duo Serena and Venus Williams have played an important role in the development and popularity of modern-day tennis. Many young girls have taken up the sport because of them. A few are even competing on the professional tour now.

One such player is the current world number six, Coco Gauff. The 18-year-old is a big fan of the Williams sisters and has identified them as her role models. However, there’s something more to it. We got to know a few more interesting facts about Gauff and her family when Coco Gauff’s mother appeared for an interview.

Gauff’s father is a fan of Richard Williams

The way Richard Williams mentored his daughters to become world-beaters in tennis is a story to remember. While junior tennis players are taking inspiration from Serena and Venus, even Richard is inspiring many parents. In an interview in August, Coco Gauff’s mother revealed that her husband is a huge fan of Richard Williams. Here’s what she said, “If it wasn’t for the Williams sisters, Coco would not be a tennis player. And if it wasn’t for Richard, my husband would not have studied tennis in that format. He’s patented himself off [Richard Williams] and used their roadmap.”

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While it’s a fact that Serena and Venus are inspirations to numerous current generation players, it’s great to know that Richard has also inspired people. Parents looking up to someone like Richard Williams means we are in for more talented tennis players in the future.

The world number one looks like me: how Serena Williams inspired Coco Gauff

The US Open 2022 was Serena Williams’ last tournament. Before the tournament started, the world was busy giving tribute to the legendary tennis star. On the other hand, Gauff was aiming for her first Grand Slam title. In an interview given at that time, the 18-year-old revealed an inspirational story from her childhood.

Growing up watching tennis, Gauff knew it as a predominantly white sport. Then Serena and Venus arrived in the picture. She saw them win and conquer the world. They topped the ranks and proved themselves as players. This gave confidence to a young Coco Gauff.

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She remembers feeling that the world number one is someone who looks like her. This similarity fueled her passion for the sport, and that’s how we have seen the emergence of one of the most promising talents in women’s tennis.