Indian Wells: $22 Million and a Grand Slam Later, Coco Gauff Deftly Plays Around With the Illusion of Fame

In the world of tennis, fame and success are something that every professional player desires. However, with fame come certain responsibilities as well. While some can handle it well, some fall prey to it. Meet Coco Gauff, one of the rising stars in the game, who already has a lot on her plate at just 19. But has fame become synonymous with her?

Recently, the reigning US Open champion in an interview gave her insights on how she feels about the same. While being one of the most talked about stars, has fame gotten the best of Coco Gauff or is she still the simple one? Let’s hear it from the champ herself.

Coco Gauff gets candid about the impact of fame on her life

Coco Gauff made the latest of Vogue‘s covers, discussing what areas of her life fame has affected. While being successful can get over many’s heads, she doesn’t see it as a big deal. Gauff simply stated that she feels just like any other ‘normal’ person, “I just don’t feel famous, I feel like a regular person. People approach me and I feel like they think I’m some extraordinary being and I’m not.”

“I’m just a tennis player and a person who tries to uplift the people around her. So many people in the world do that, not just famous people, also just regular humans in their communities. I don’t think [fame] makes me any different.”

In a world where people often focus on famous folks, Gauff’s down-to-earth is a breath of fresh air. At the same time, while Coco Gauff has been one of the top stars to look for, she has also been compared to the likes of Serena Williams to carry ahead their legacy.

NFL legend talks about how Gauff will carry forward the legacy of Serena Williams

Reggie Bush, an NFL legend recently attended the Desert Smash. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, he talked about the legacy that Serena Williams once had in the game. While suggesting that not anyone would be able to carry forward her legacy, he suggested that it could be Coco Gauff who could be the one.

Also read: After Rumored Collaboration with Coco Gauff, Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Reveals the Youngster’s Biggest Negative (EXCLUSIVE)

“We have women like Coco Gauff. Serena Williams who is the queen, who’s really paved the way for people of color, women of color, to play tennis at a high level, I think that’s all you can ask for. You know, for someone to set the bar and continue to raise the bar,” said Reggie Bush in the interview. “I think Serena set the bar; you got young players like Gauff to take it even higher. So to me, that’s what I love seeing about sport.”

It seems like Coco Gauff, who has been compared to the likes of the Williams sisters, has a lot on her shoulders at a young age. But she’s pushing forward with the utmost pride.