Coco Gauff: The Rising Star Closing in on Serena Williams’ Records
Coco Gauff is the shining face of the next generation of tennis, and her rapid rise has many drawing comparisons to the iconic Serena Williams. At just 20 years old, Gauff has achieved extraordinary milestones, positioning herself as a serious contender to challenge some of Serena’s records. Though Gauff is still in the early stages of her career, her talent, drive, and accolades suggest she could be the heir apparent to Williams’ legacy in women’s tennis.
The Meteoric Rise of Coco Gauff
Gauff burst onto the global tennis scene in 2019 when she became the youngest player to qualify for Wimbledon at just 15 years old. Her stunning run included a victory over Venus Williams, a match that signaled to the world that Gauff was not just a rising star but a legitimate contender. Her impressive skills, mental toughness, and ability to thrive under pressure have been reminiscent of Serena Williams in her early days.
Since her Wimbledon debut, Gauff has continued to build an impressive resume. She reached her first Grand Slam singles final at the 2022 French Open and followed that with a dominant 2023 season, highlighted by her first major singles title at the US Open. This win solidified her status as one of the best players in the world, catapulting her into the top five of the WTA rankings.
Serena Williams: A Legendary Benchmark
When it comes to women’s tennis, Serena Williams is the gold standard. Over her two-decade career, Serena amassed 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era, and 14 doubles Grand Slams, primarily with her sister Venus. In addition to her Grand Slam haul, Serena’s career has been marked by 73 WTA singles titles, four Olympic gold medals, and 319 weeks as the world No. 1. She redefined what was possible for female athletes, particularly Black women, on and off the court.
Coco Gauff’s potential to reach Serena’s level has been a subject of discussion as Gauff’s career trajectory appears eerily similar to that of Williams. From their shared backgrounds as African-American women dominating a predominantly white sport to their aggressive playing styles, the comparisons are natural, and they bring excitement to the possibility of Gauff chasing Serena’s records.
Major Titles: Gauff’s Early Success
The US Open victory in 2023 was the first indicator that Gauff could be the one to rival Serena’s Grand Slam dominance. Winning a Grand Slam title is a significant milestone for any player, but doing it as a teenager, just as Serena did in 1999 when she won her first US Open at age 17, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Gauff’s composure in handling the pressure of playing at home in New York was reminiscent of Serena’s mental toughness on the big stage.
As of 2024, Gauff has added another major to her collection by winning the China Open, further proving that her US Open victory was no fluke. With two Grand Slam titles under her belt, she’s still far from Serena’s 23, but Gauff’s consistency and upward trajectory suggest that more major titles could be on the horizon.
It’s also worth noting that Serena did not win her second Grand Slam title until three years after her first, while Gauff is building momentum more quickly. Serena’s later-career dominance was built on a foundation of early success, and Gauff seems to be laying the same groundwork.
Chasing Records Beyond Majors
While Serena’s 23 Grand Slam singles titles represent the pinnacle of her achievements, her overall WTA Tour success is equally formidable. Gauff already has eight WTA titles, including three at the prestigious WTA 1000 level, as of October 2024 . Serena, by comparison, won her first WTA Tour title at 17 and quickly became a force, amassing 73 titles over her career.
Gauff is showing signs that she could be a consistent contender for major and non-major titles alike. Her game is evolving rapidly, with significant improvements in her serve and forehand, areas that were once considered her weaknesses. This progression suggests that Gauff is likely to add many more titles to her growing resume.
Another area where Gauff has shown promise is in doubles. Serena and Venus Williams were legendary in doubles, winning 14 Grand Slam titles together. Gauff, too, has enjoyed doubles success, winning multiple titles alongside Jessica Pegula. If Gauff continues to focus on both singles and doubles, she has the potential to approach or even surpass Serena’s doubles achievements.
The Mental Toughness Factor
One of the hallmarks of Serena Williams’ career was her unparalleled mental toughness. Time and time again, Serena came back from seemingly impossible situations to win matches, and she thrived in high-pressure moments. Gauff, too, has demonstrated a similar resilience. Whether it was recovering from early losses in her career or handling the immense pressure of being a teenage prodigy in the age of social media, Gauff’s mental fortitude has been a defining aspect of her rise.
During the 2023 US Open, Gauff showed maturity beyond her years. After losing the first set in the final, she came back to defeat Aryna Sabalenka, the then-world No. 1, showing that she could handle the pressure of a Grand Slam final just as Serena often did in her career .
The Physical Comparison
Both Serena and Gauff have powerful, athletic games, built on strong serves and aggressive baseline play. Gauff’s game has drawn comparisons to Serena’s, especially in terms of athleticism and court coverage. Gauff, like Serena, uses her athletic ability to dictate play and intimidate opponents.
However, Gauff’s game is still evolving. Serena’s serve, arguably the best in women’s tennis history, was a weapon that consistently won her free points. Gauff’s serve, once a weakness, is improving, but she still has room for growth. With time, Gauff could develop a similarly dominant serve, which would make her even more formidable on all surfaces.
The Cultural Impact: Following in Serena’s Footsteps
Beyond the tennis court, Serena Williams’ cultural impact cannot be overstated. She broke barriers for Black women in tennis and in sports at large. As an outspoken advocate for gender equality, pay equity, and racial justice, Serena used her platform to drive social change. Gauff, too, has shown that she is not afraid to use her voice. During the protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020, Gauff delivered a powerful speech at a rally, highlighting her commitment to activism .
In this way, Gauff is following in Serena’s footsteps, not just as a tennis player, but as a role model and leader. She is poised to carry the torch that Serena lit, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
The Road Ahead
While it’s still early in Coco Gauff’s career, her potential to challenge Serena Williams’ records is undeniable. With her first major already secured and her game improving with each passing year, Gauff is on a trajectory that could see her close in on some of Serena’s most impressive accomplishments.
Of course, matching or surpassing Serena’s 23 Grand Slam singles titles is a daunting task, and Gauff has a long way to go. However, the parallels between their careers—the early success, the mental toughness, and the drive to win—are striking. Gauff has the tools to not only be a great player but to challenge the records set by one of the greatest athletes of all time.
As she continues to develop, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if Coco Gauff can indeed become the next Serena Williams. And if her current trajectory is any indication, that possibility seems more realistic with each passing tournament.