© Getty Images Sport – Hannah Peters
American tennis star Coco Gauff paid special tribute to Serena and Venus Williams at this year’s US Open, saying the Williams sisters inspired her career and are the reason she is a pro tennis player now. Gauff, 19, entered this year’s US Open as the second highest-ranked American female player and she is widely considered among the best players in the game.
At just 19, Gauff is one of the most popular American tennis players and she is already a role model to many kids out there. “My favorite quote is ‘If you shoot for the moon you might land amongst the stars.’ I think having those role models and having that representation is very important.
For me, the Williams Sisters were that. They are really great people as well. I got to play doubles with Venus and I got to play against her. If it wasn’t for Serena and Venus, I would not be playing tennis,” Gauff said of the Williams sisters.
Gauff paid tribute to the Williams sisters
Before the start of the US Open, the WTA 50th Anniversary Gala took place in New York.
Gauff, ranked at No 6 in the world, was among the guests who attended the event. During her speech at the event, Gauff paid massive tribute to Serena, explaining how the former 23-time Grand Slam champion made her believe she could also one day be a successful tennis player.
“In Serena Williams, I watched someone who dominated women’s tennis in a way no one else has ever had. More importantly, I saw someone who looked like me, and helped me believe I could achieve as I follow my own unique path,” Gauff said.
In 1999, Serena became a Grand Slam champion at the US Open. 24 years later, Gauff is also hoping to follow in the footsteps of her idol and win her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.
