The Surprising Connection Between Coco Gauff and Serena William

As if tennis greats Coco Gauff and Serena Williams needed more similarities beyond being Grand Slam winners, it turns out the two stellar athletes have a deeper connection than originally thought.

In a newly resurfaced interview with ESPN, Coco Gauff revealed a surprising story from her childhood. When she was around nine or ten years old, Gauff was cast as a body double for a young Serena Williams in a Delta Airlines commercial. Reflecting on that experience, Gauff shared how she met Williams during the shoot and how it marked the beginning of their working relationship.

“I stopped by her trailer, took a picture. She probably doesn’t even know. My mom actually sent me a picture a couple of weeks ago of me waiting, getting my hair done by the people. I don’t think they ever used it, but that was the first check I ever got as a kid. She doesn’t know this, but the first money I ever made for myself was because of her doing a commercial,” Gauff recounted.

Beyond their early commercial connection, Gauff also opened up about the valuable lessons she has learned from Williams over the years. She highlighted the importance of self-worth and resilience, especially as a Black woman in the world of tennis.

“Sometimes being a woman, a Black woman in the world, you kind of settle for less. I feel like Serena taught me that, from watching her, she never settled for less,” Gauff explained. “I can’t remember a moment in her career or life that she settled for less. I think that’s something I took from her. As a person, I’m growing into being an adult and learning how to handle things now with the media and tennis and everything. I’m trying to learn to not settle for less.”

This unexpected connection between Coco Gauff and Serena Williams adds another layer to their remarkable journeys in tennis, showcasing the profound influence Williams has had on the next generation of athletes.