Coco Gauff, the World No. 2 and 2025 French Open champion, has been backed by two former British No. 1 players, Tim Henman and Laura Robson, to claim her first Wimbledon women’s singles title in 2025, with both praising her on-court prowess and off-court charisma. Speaking during BBC Sport’s unveiling of their 2025 Wimbledon coverage, Henman highlighted Gauff’s potential, saying, “She’s such a great competitor and a great ambassador for our sport. I’d love to see her win Wimbledon.” Robson echoed the sentiment at the Queen’s Club event, noting, “I’m reaching for Coco Gauff… I’m a huge fan of not just her tennis, but her work ethic, her professionalism, I like her personality, and I think she’s going to be a big force,” per *Tennis365* on June 25, 2025.
Gauff, still only 21, burst onto the scene at Wimbledon 2019, defeating Venus Williams at age 15. Her recent French Open triumph over Aryna Sabalenka (6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4) has boosted her confidence, though grass remains her toughest surface, with a 27-11 career record and no titles. Robson acknowledged this challenge, stating, “For Coco, it’s been a surface which hasn’t quite given her the results that the other Slams have,” but highlighted her consistency, having reached Wimbledon’s fourth round three times (2019, 2021, 2024). Henman added, “She’s been around for six years and she’s still only 21,” emphasizing her growth potential.
Tracy Austin, a two-time US Open champion, suggested adjustments for Gauff on grass, telling *The Tennis Gazette* on June 10, 2025, “I’d like to see her go bigger on her serve… and flatten out her forehand more.” Gauff’s 2025 season, with a 39-10 record, includes the WTA Finals and United Cup titles, but a second-round loss to Wang Xinyu at the Berlin Open (6-3, 6-3) raised concerns. Despite this, her elite speed and mental toughness, praised by coach Rick Macci on X, position her as a contender.
Gauff faces stiff competition from Sabalenka, the World No. 1 and betting favorite, and others like Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina. Her French Open win, celebrated by figures like Spike Lee and Michelle Obama, underscores her global appeal. As she begins her Wimbledon campaign after Berlin, Gauff’s focus on “playing freely,” as she told *WTA Insider* on June 9, could unlock her first SW19 title, fulfilling the high expectations set by her supporters.
