Coco Gauff, the world No. 2 and 2023 US Open champion, paid a heartfelt tribute to her idol Serena Williams during her 2025 French Open campaign, emphasizing the 23-time Grand Slam winner’s enduring influence on her career and American tennis. After a dominant 6-2, 6-2 first-round win over Olivia Gadecki on May 27, 2025, at Roland Garros, Gauff reflected on the growing presence of American players, crediting Williams’ legacy for inspiring a new generation. In a press conference, Gauff said, “Serena has inspired so many to play tennis, including me. She definitely has a lot of credit when it comes to getting racquets into people’s hands,” highlighting the 23 Americans in the WTA top 200. This tribute, amid a rocky French Open for American players, underscores Gauff’s drive to carry Williams’ mantle as she chases her first Roland Garros title.
Context of the Tribute and French Open Performance
Gauff’s nod to Williams came after a match where she overcame a comical mishap—forgetting her rackets, which a ball boy retrieved, prompting laughter from the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd. Despite the blunder, Gauff’s 71-minute rout of Gadecki set a historic milestone: at 21 years and 4 months, she became the youngest American to reach 20 French Open wins in the Open Era, surpassing Williams’ record set just before her 22nd birthday. Gauff’s clay-court prowess, refined since her 2022 final loss to Iga Swiatek, shone through with improved serve consistency and tactical versatility.
Her tribute also addressed American struggles at the tournament, with upsets like Emma Navarro’s 6-0, 6-1 loss to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Taylor Fritz’s defeat to Daniel Altmaier. Gauff emphasized camaraderie, stating, “Having compatriots on tour makes it easier… so many options for friends, practice, doubles.” Posts on X, like @MSports_all’s claim that Gauff’s tribute “ignites passion” and “leaves Serena in awe,” reflect the emotional weight of her words.
Serena’s Influence on Gauff’s Journey
Gauff’s connection to Williams runs deep. At age five, watching Serena win the 2010 Australian Open, Gauff asked her father, Corey, what “GOAT” meant. Upon learning, she declared, “I want to be a GOAT too,” prompting Corey to buy her first racket the next day. Gauff’s parents adopted Richard Williams’ coaching blueprint, with Corey quitting his job to coach her. Training at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy, Serena’s longtime coach, Gauff impressed with her “determination, athleticism, and fighting spirit,” earning Champ’Seed funding.
Gauff’s milestones echo Williams’. Her 2023 US Open win made her the first American teen champion since Serena in 1999. Her 2024 WTA Finals title, the first by an American since Serena in 2014, and her 20 French Open wins cement her as a successor. Serena’s Instagram tribute after Gauff’s US Open win, “Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! @cocogauff,” and Venus Williams’ hope that Gauff “wins every match,” highlight mutual admiration. Gauff’s 2019 Wimbledon upset over Venus at 15, and her activism, inspired by Serena, further tie their legacies.
French Open 2025 Outlook and Challenges
Gauff’s favorable draw avoids Swiatek until the final, with potential hurdles like Madison Keys in the quarterfinals and Mirra Andreeva or Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. Her Madrid 2025 win over Swiatek, her first on clay against the Pole, boosts confidence. However, Swiatek’s 4-1 Slam lead over Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka’s top seeding, pose threats. Gauff’s clay evolution—fewer double faults, drop shots, and net play—positions her well, but Rennae Stubbs, Serena’s ex-coach, warns her forehand and serve need consistency.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s heartfelt tribute to Serena Williams at the 2025 French Open, crediting her for inspiring American tennis, including her own 20-win record at 21, fuels her Roland Garros title hunt. Her 6-2, 6-2 win over Gadecki, despite forgetting her rackets, and her draw dodging Swiatek, position her as a favorite. Like Littler’s and Sherrock’s focus, Gauff’s blend of Williams’ tenacity and her own flair, drives her quest for a second Grand Slam, carrying Serena’s legacy forward.
