Coco Gauff has shared a humorous anecdote about the first time she encountered the legendary Serena Williams, revealing that she initially dismissed the tennis icon as just someone who looked a lot like her.
The 20-year-old, who has often expressed her admiration for the Williams sisters, recounted the surprising moment when she and her idol happened to cross paths. Gauff’s disbelief turned to sheer joy upon realizing that the figure she spotted was indeed the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
“Serena was actually filming a commercial at the same location where I was practicing,” Gauff explained during an interview on Hair Me Out, hosted on the Refinery29 YouTube channel. “I thought I was seeing a stunt double at first, but then it hit me, and I was beyond excited! She came over to offer me advice and had a quick chat with me.”
Both Serena and Venus Williams have long been trailblazers for Black representation in tennis, and Gauff is proudly following in their footsteps. “I admire Serena’s style, her hair, and how she confidently showcases her curls and braids,” Gauff noted. “I aspire to embrace diversity in my hairstyles. When you look and feel good, it certainly elevates your game.”
Gauff has consistently expressed her immense respect for Serena, and in a recent interview, Williams returned the compliment by praising Gauff’s tennis intellect. “Coco possesses a remarkable tennis IQ. She truly thinks through her game, plus her movement is exceptional. I admire her mental resilience,” Williams stated.
In 1999, Serena Williams clinched her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and 23 years later, the arena witnessed the conclusion of her storied career. Just a year following Serena’s retirement, Gauff achieved her own Grand Slam glory in New York, becoming the first American teenager to win the US Open since her idol. During her trophy presentation, the young champion acknowledged the profound influence the Williams sisters had on her journey.
Gauff has always recognized that tennis is not the predominant sport in the Black community, often feeling like an outlier. Yet, the success of Serena and Venus inspired her to pursue her dreams: “What sets me apart? We’re all unique individuals, and that’s something special to celebrate. Figuring out my identity was challenging. In a sport where Black representation is minimal, it can feel isolating,” Gauff shared in a video for Baker Tilly US. “But having role models like Serena and Venus made a monumental difference in my life. I still remember watching Venus at the US Open from our second-row tickets, and that experience fuels my ambition. Seeing someone who looks like you succeed in a predominantly white sport can ignite belief and hope.”
Currently, Gauff is in Riyadh, gearing up for her third consecutive WTA Finals. She will face her fellow American and close friend, Jessica Pegula, in her opening match. Gauff’s group also includes top contenders Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova.
