“Having leaders like Venus and Serena Williams in our sport definitely makes you want to do better”
Coco Gauff recently opened up about being deeply inspired by Venus Williams and Serena Williams. She did so in a new WTA tribute video as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations shared by the Tennis Channel on YouTube.
Gauff has often spoken highly of the Williams sisters. In the video, she can be seen expressing her admiration for the legendary duo, particularly for their leadership skills and ability to inspire other players to improve.
“I think in general, leaders like Venus Williams and Serena Williams definitely inspire a desire in our sport to do better and make it better for the world,” she said. “And I think it’s important to have leaders like that because it’s made a difference in my life.”
Coco Gauff made headlines most notably at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships when she stunned Venus Williams in the first round. She has also previously spoken about basing her doubles game with partner Jessica Pegula on the Williams sister’s playing style.
Also in the video are tennis legend Billie Jean King and former player Tracy Austin sharing their thoughts on Venus and Serena Williams.
Coco Gauff meets Anna Karolina Schmiedlová in the fourth quarter of the 2023 French Open
Coco Gauff meets Anna Karolina Schmiedlová on Monday 5 June in the fourth round of the 2023 French Open.
The American teen sensation defeated Rebeka Masarova, Julia Grabher and Mirra Andreeva in the last three rounds to secure her place in the fourth round. Gauff, who finished second at Roland Garros last year, has stayed on course despite being involved in three-set battles in the first and third rounds.
Following her win over 16-year-old Andreeva, Gauff praised her opponent, explaining that experience plays a role in her own game.
“I can say that experience probably played a part, but quite honestly from how it felt on the pitch, it didn’t feel like it.” [it],” She said.
“You know, I played against two other people who were younger than me and in one of those games I would certainly say that experience played a part, but I don’t know if that means today.”
“I think she’s playing past her years, and I don’t know, she feels similar to me,” Gauff said of Andreeva.
Meanwhile, Schmiedlová defeated eleventh seeded Veronika Kudermetova in the first round. She maintained her momentum, defeating Aliona Bolsova and Kayla Day in the second and third rounds, respectively. This is the deepest run the Slovakian has managed in a Grand Slam and has not dropped a single set so far.
The duel between the two players is 1-0 in favor of Coco Gauff.