"Not really shocking, I knew it was coming" Gauff on Serena Williams retiring
WTA
Coco Gauff can be the next very successful American player after Serena Williams retires, and the teenager doesn't hide her admiration for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
Gauff and Williams are both present in Toronto, and they both succeeded in their first-round matches at the 2022 Canadian Open. After the more experienced American announced her retirement, the teenage sensation spoke about her idol retiring in Toronto.
Like many tennis players, Gauff grew up watching Williams compete. With the legendary American's age, it was clear that sooner or later, she would announce her retirement from professional tennis.
According to the teenager, if Serena chose not to retire at this year's US Open, she would likely do so next year. Still, Gauff was very sad about Williams' retirement.
"I knew it was coming eventually. I didn’t know if it was going to be this US Open or the next one. (It’s) not really shocking, but almost shocking news because she’s just been playing forever — my whole life."
"(I’m) a little bit sad because I have always wanted to play her. So I’m hoping that my draw in Cincinnati or (the) US Open or even here can work out so we can play each other. Because that’s just one of my goals."
"The legacy that she’s left through her tennis career is something that I don’t think any other player can probably touch. I think that the legacy that she will continue to leave throughout her life is something that can inspire many more generations."
Gauff admitted that she plays tennis also thanks to Williams. Not only was she inspired by the Williams sisters, but also her dad, Corey, was inspired by Richard Williams and how he taught the sisters.
"I grew up watching her. I mean, that’s the reason why I play tennis. Tennis being a predominantly white sport, [the Williams sisters’ presence] definitely helped a lot because I saw somebody who looked like me dominating the game. It made me believe that I could dominate, too."
"I think her whole story — the Williams sisters’ story, not just Serena, with Mr. Williams and all that he’s done for both of them — inspired my dad to continue to coach me and help me even though he had not really much tennis experience. But he was like, 'If Mr. Williams can do it, then I can.'"
"I think it’s not so much just what Serena and Venus have left; it’s also the whole Williams family in general."
