Coco Gauff talked about both Williams sisters being huge inspirations as she continues on her quest to attain her first Grand Slam title at this year's US Open.
Gauff has very much needed to grow up in the spotlight. A lot of that was mainly down to the fact that she was achieving big things as one of the younger junior players. She was the fifth youngest junior player to win the French Open juniors and she won her first tour-level match in Miami in 2018 at just 14 years of age, which is unheard of in the modern game.
Tennis prodigies that can genuinely make significant waves on the WTA Tour are hard to come by in the last five or six years, and that is why Gauff's results and progress are something that stands out.
On top of that, American tennis is crying out for the next American player to take the tennis world by storm and continue to sweep up the big trophies. Gauff undoubtedly has the potential and calmness of mind to do so.
Serena Williams and Venus Williams are examples of US players that transitioned to the top of the game at such a young age, and Gauff credited both of them for the inspiration they have given her when trying to follow in their footsteps.
"My favourite 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."
It goes without saying that Gauff is one very ambitious young woman and even this early in her career feels she should be competing for major honours. Gauff has had to work her hard to get to this point of the tournament at the US Open, but is riding a wave of momentum after title wins in Washington and Cincinnati.
"I think I have always had the same goal going into this tournament to win. I think, obviously, those tournaments have given me a little more confidence and belief. But I do not feel any more pressure than in the past."
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