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via Getty

via Getty

American tennis player Coco Gauff, who is one of the game’s up-and-coming stars, gave an emotional tribute to her idol Serena Williams. After her US Open defeat, Williams retired from tennis and left her beloved sport as one of the best players.

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The rising star, like nearly every other aspiring athlete in the sport, grew up idolizing Williams. Gauff, as a young American woman rising up in Florida’s elite tennis scene, could relate to Williams in ways that few others could.

Coco Gauff took to social media to pay tribute to Serena Williams

Coco Gauff paid an emotional tribute to Serena Williams, who retired from tennis after losing in the third round of the US Open 2022. Gauff took to Instagram to share photos of herself staring at a Serena Williams poster on her wall and then posing alone with the tennis legend herself. In the caption, she wrote, “Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT!”

 

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A post shared by Coco Gauff (@cocogauff)

From Michael Phelps to Michelle Obama, sports stars and celebrities have paid homage to Serena Williams, the 23-time grand slam champion, whom many regards as the greatest of all time.

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Michelle Obama, the former first lady of the United States, tweeted, “How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time. I’m proud of you, my friend—and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents.”

Michael Phelps also paid tribute to Williams. He tweeted, “her will, her strength, her determination…she simply never gives up. She’s a great example to us all. Congrats and thank you, Serena!!”

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Serena honors her sister Venus Williams

Despite a valiant effort, the 23-time Grand Slam champion failed to beat Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open. Serena was flooded with emotion after her last dance on the tennis court and expressed gratitude to the audience.

via Reuters

During the post-match interview, she mentioned her elder sister, Venus. She thanked her for having a positive influence on her career and helping to shape her into the person she was today. Serena became emotional as she thanked her sister.

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