"Being Black, you stick out like a sore thumb" - Coco Gauff credits Venus & Serena Williams as important role models in a 'predominantly white' sport
Coco Gauff has opened up about the challenge of being a Black woman in a predominantly white sport like tennis. The 20-year-old disclosed how instrumental it was for her to have role models like Venus and Serena Williams to look up to during her childhood.
Gauff has never shied away from expressing her immense admiration for the Williams sisters, acknowledging them as her idols. The World No. 3 has also often followed in their footsteps, most recently becoming the first American woman to triumph at the China Open since Serena Williams' victory in 2013.
In a recent video for Baker Tilly US, Coco Gauff reflected on what made her unique and spoke about defining greatness on her own terms.
"What makes me unique? I mean we’re all one of one, so we’re all unique. There’s never going to be another one of me and there’s never going to be another one of anybody. That’s a cool thing to think about," Coco Gauff said.
The 20-year-old admitted that it was initially tough to find her identity in the sport, disclosing that she felt out of place as a Black woman. Gauff highlighted that tennis was not a major sport in the African American community, making it all the more important for her to have Venus and Serena Williams as her role models.
The World No. 3 also reminisced about her unforgettable experience of watching Venus compete from up close at the 2012 US Open.
"Finding myself was difficult. Being Black in tennis is, sometimes you do stick out like a sore thumb. Like in the Black community, tennis is not a huge thing. Nobody really knew anything about it. I had mentioned that I play tennis but nobody cared," she said.
"But I feel like for me, having role models like Serena and Venus to look up to made a difference. Honestly I just remember watching Venus at US Open. My dad got second row tickets and we were so close and that was a cool thing," she added.
Coco Gauff emphasized her desire to emulate the Williams sisters and serve as an idol for someone else, inspiring them to break through in a predominantly white sport.
"That’s what pushes me to keep going. Just because the sport is predominantly white, you believe you can do that passion when you see somebody that looks like you being successful. Hopefully I can be that belief for somebody else," she said.
"I hope Coco Gauff wins every match" - Venus Williams excited by fellow American's 'explosion' on tour
Earlier this year, Coco Gauff marveled at her journey from watching Venus Williams compete at the 2012 US Open to becoming a tennis star in her own right, fondly looking back on how her dreams had been closer than they appeared.
"If this isn't proof that your dreams are closer than you think then idk what is," she posted on X.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion was asked about the memorable picture during a recent appearance on the Tamron Hall Show. Williams expressed her delight at seeing the 20-year-old "explode" on tour and conveyed her hope for Gauff to win every single one of her matches.
I mean it's so exciting to see her just like… explode. She is fantastic, and of course, I hope she wins every match," Venus Williams said.
Venus Williams' encouragement will come in handy when Coco Gauff returns to action at the 2024 WTA Finals, scheduled to commence on November 2. The 20-year-old, who is aiming to clinch her maiden title at the year-end championships, will battle it out alongside Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula, among others.