‘Innovated Even to a Higher Level’ – Hall of Famer Monica Seles Details Serena Williams’ Significant Impact on Coco Gauff

Serena Williams has broken through barriers to attain success in her career. Playing at such a high level consistently for more than 20 years is no mean feat. The American tennis star has proved time and again why she is considered amongst the best players to step on the tennis court. Despite suffering numerous injuries throughout her career, she has come back strongly on each of the occasions and proved her critics wrong.

This week, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells is underway with some exciting matchups taking place. Fans have been fortunate to witness some enthralling tennis action. It has been an open tournament, with some huge upsets taking place in early rounds. Recently, the nine-time Grand Slam champion, Monica Seles, opened up on the tournament. Further, she explained how stars like Serena Williams have inspired younger players at this tournament.

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Monica Seles talks about the Indian Wells Masters

The former World Number 1 was in Indian Wells where she talked about the amazing experience at the tournament in Indian Wells. She said, “I think all the players always love coming out here. I mean look at the weather, look at the scenery. It’s such a treat being around players seeing some of the former players maybe even getting to hit a few balls out there with them. I mean this is like a dream come true. What the WTA has done in terms of growth of the sport is truly magical, even as a former player when I look at a draw, I have no clue who’s going to win it.”

Further, she added, “Players are so close in terms of the level that any given day anybody can win the tournament compared to like let’s say my era when you would have the few people that you kind of almost know will be in the semi-finals, much more predictable.”

Seles reveals how Serena Williams has inspired players like Coco Gauff

Talking about Serena’s influence, she said, “Martina Navratilova broke through a certain level of the sport. Then I think Serena has broken through a certain level. She’s inspired so many young players. I mean we see how Coco Gauff, how much she inspired Coco to be the next generation of American tennis and even further down the road. But I think also the barriers that Serena has been able to break are also so huge.”

Moreover, Seles went on to add, “If you’re a kid at home watching all these great champions play, that should be your motivation because you always want to do better than your idol and you always want to innovate the game. I mean I’ve tried to do that in my own small level. Then somebody like Serena innovated even to a higher level and to me that’s that inspiration and to be back here seeing it. I mean, what an amazing tournament match-wise a film experience-wise it’s just fab for me.”

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We are into the closing stages of this year’s Indian Wells tournament. Later today, the two men’s singles semifinals will take place. Rafael Nadal will be up against Carlos Alcaraz. In the other semifinal, local hope, Taylor Fritz will take on Andrey Rublev. Meanwhile, in women’s singles, Iga Swiatek will face Maria Sakkari in the summit clash. Who are your picks for the Indian Wells Masters trophy this year? Let us know your views in the comments below.