Coco Gauff has a heartfelt message for her “friend and mentor” Serena Williams as she prepares for her first Olympic Games in Paris. Reflecting on her journey, Gauff shared her admiration and the impact Williams has had on her career.
In a letter addressed to her younger self, Gauff opened up about her special relationship with Williams. “While tennis is an individual sport, you relish the relationships with your teammates,” she wrote. “You’ve been lucky enough that your on-court relationships have turned into off-court friendships. One of those notable friendships is with your idol, Serena Williams.”
Gauff expressed how surreal it is to now call Williams a “friend.” She continued, “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. Her profound impact on tennis, what it means to be a champion, and to break barriers is a legacy you hope to uphold and carry with you into your first Olympic Games.”
Gauff, who at 19 became the youngest American player to win the U.S. Open in singles since Serena Williams won at 17, faced a setback when she had to drop out of the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19. Despite this, she is now back in action and excited to compete in the Paris Olympics, which kick off on Friday, July 26.
In previous interviews, Gauff has often spoken about her admiration for Williams. She shared that Williams has been a significant inspiration, stating, “Serena is part of the reason why I play tennis.” Gauff noted that Williams’ achievements in a predominantly white sport made her believe she could dominate too.
While Gauff acknowledges that no one can truly replace Williams, she is determined to be the best version of herself. “I don’t think anybody will take Serena’s mantle because she’s just one of a kind. But I will try my best to be the best Coco,” she told People magazine.
Williams has also praised Gauff, describing her as “impressive all around” during a 2020 press conference at the Australian Open. She admired Gauff’s maturity and eloquence at such a young age, noting that she herself was not at Gauff’s level at 15.
As Gauff prepares for her Olympic debut, she carries with her the legacy of Serena Williams, aiming to honor her mentor’s influence and continue to inspire future generations. With the world watching, Gauff’s journey is a testament to the powerful impact of mentorship and the enduring legacy of a champion.
