“She probably influenced millions”: Coco Gauff approves Serena Williams selection in 100 most influential people list
American tennis star Coco Gauff has voiced her support for Serena Williams’ inclusion in TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, the 43-year-old Serena’s legacy continues to resonate far beyond the sport.
Gauff, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, is competing at the 2025 Stuttgart Open. She recently advanced to the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-1, 6-1 win over Germany’s Ella Seidel. Speaking after the match, Gauff praised Serena’s impact not just on tennis, but on society as a whole.
“Being named one of the most influential people of all time is an incredible accomplishment—and one Serena absolutely deserves,” said Gauff, as quoted by Tennis.com. “She’s probably influenced millions. I’m one of them. Her impact extends beyond tennis—she’s inspired strong women everywhere, especially women of color. It’s well-deserved, and I wasn’t surprised at all. Her photos looked amazing too.”
Serena’s Iconic Legacy
Serena Williams retired from professional tennis in 2022 to spend more time with her family, bringing to a close one of the most storied careers in tennis history. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she holds the record for most major wins by a woman in the Open Era.
Her Grand Slam journey began in 1999, when she captured the US Open title by defeating Martina Hingis in straight sets. Her final major title came in 2017, when she triumphed at the Australian Open, besting sister Venus Williams 6-4, 6-4 in the final.
Among her many accolades, Serena won seven Wimbledon and seven Australian Open singles titles, leaving behind a legacy of dominance, resilience, and inspiration.
Up Next for Gauff
Following her win in Stuttgart, Coco Gauff will face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinals as she continues her strong start to the clay season. The 20-year-old American is seen as one of the rising leaders of the sport alongside top players like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jessica Pegula.
Stay tuned for more updates on Gauff’s progress at the Stuttgart Open and the latest from the world of tennis.
