Ever dreamed of being close to your idol? Well, Coco Gauff is living that dream! Years ago, she danced to “Call Me Maybe” at the US Open during one of Venus Williams’ matches. Since then, she’s reiterated on multiple occasions that the Williams sisters, particularly Serena, have been her biggest inspiration. From her iconic fashion to her fierce playing style, Gauff was smitten by it all. Last year, in a heartfelt letter on the NBC Olympics website, Gauff wrote: “Serena was once just a stranger printed on a poster hanging in your room, and now you still can’t believe she’s a friend and mentor.” This friendship is a testament to Serena’s enduring legacy as a 23-time Grand Slam winner, who paved the way for Black American women in tennis. Now Gauff proudly notes that she can reach out to Serena anytime.

The tennis world is now buzzing with excitement as players gear up for the Sunshine Double! Coco Gauff and others are competing at the Indian Wells Open, vying for the top spot in the 1000s events. Recently, players shared fun tidbits with the BNP Paribas Instagram team, revealing their most famous contacts. Iga Swiatek named “Rafa,” while Carlos Alcaraz mentioned Neymar. Amongst this, Gauff’s choice was no surprise: “Probably Serena Williams.” Given Serena’s status as the most relevant tennis player aside from the Big Three on the ATP side, it’s no wonder Gauff looks up to her.

Serena Williams continues to shine brightly even after retiring in 2022. She shares adorable moments with her daughters on social media, promotes her brand WYN, and makes waves with Serena Ventures. As of February 2025, her net worth is an impressive $340 million, earning her a spot on Forbes’ “America’s Self-Made Women” list. This makes her the most influential WTA player—and to think she’s one of Coco Gauff’s contacts? That’s definitely a pinch-me moment!

Coco Gauff often talks about the profound impact of Venus and Serena Williams on her career. In an interview with Baker Tilly US, she shared her experiences as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport. Gauff recalled how the lack of recognition for her achievements made the influence of the Williams sisters even more significant. “Finding myself was difficult,” she said. “Being Black in tennis, sometimes you stick out like a sore thumb. But having role models like Serena and Venus made all the difference.”

Their legacy has been a beacon of inspiration for Gauff. She now stands at the top three of the WTA rankings and has won nine singles titles, including the 2023 US Open and 2024 WTA Finals. Her success reflects the trailblazing path of the Williams sisters. Gauff’s recent wins at the China Open and other events solidify her position as a rising star.

But the Williams sisters’ influence extends beyond tennis. They have empowered Gauff to navigate the challenges of her sport. Their trailblazing spirit has been a guiding light for young athletes like Gauff, who are breaking barriers in their own right. Not to mention, just last month, the 20-year-old paid a stylish tribute to the legendary Williams sisters with a striking new hairstyle.

Gauff pays tribute to the Williams sisters with their signature hairstyle

In celebration of Black History Month this February, Coco Gauff teamed up with Carol’s Daughter to unveil a stunning look featuring beaded cornrows—a heartfelt homage to Serena and Venus Williams. The Williams sisters famously made headlines in the early 2000s with their iconic beaded hairstyles on the tennis court. Gauff reminisced, “I remember obviously watching Venus and Serena when I was young. This look is kind of a homage to them. They’ve always changed their hair. They had the beads, they had the braids, they had the curls, they had straight, they had everything.”

Gauff’s journey as a Black tennis athlete has been deeply influenced by the Williams sisters. She shared, “When I became more aware of what I wanted to do with my hair, I was inspired by and took note of what they were doing with theirs.” This collaboration with Carol’s Daughter, a brand renowned for celebrating Black beauty, feels like a natural fit for Gauff. She has been using their products for years and appreciates their emphasis on natural haircare.

After taking down Moyuka Uchijima, Coco Gauff’s ready to take on Maria Sakkari in her Indian Wells’ second round. It’s exciting to see if this young talent will make it far into the tournament and possibly clinch the title, just as her idol Serena Williams did twice before. The question on everyone’s mind: Will Gauff bring home the title this time around? Share your thoughts in the comments below!