Coco Gauff’s journey from a young girl inspired by Venus and Serena Williams to becoming a major force in tennis has been nothing short of incredible. At just 15, she made headlines by defeating her idol Venus Williams at Wimbledon in straight sets. Fast forward to 2023, she became the first American teenager since Serena in 1999 to win a major title, triumphing at the US Open. Now, she’s not only a tennis champion but also a role model who proudly represented Team USA as a flagbearer at the Paris Olympics.
Gauff’s rise from Delray Beach, Florida, is deeply inspiring, especially to young girls who now see her as someone to emulate. She acknowledges the influence she has and embraces it wholeheartedly. “Tennis and trophies mean a lot to me, but the impact that you leave on people means more,” she once shared, emphasizing her desire to inspire rather than just win.
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During a podcast appearance in 2020, Gauff revealed how meaningful it was to hear young girls, especially African Americans, say they picked up a tennis racquet because of her — just like she once did because of the Williams sisters. She now finds herself on the receiving end of autograph requests, photo ops, and admiration from kids, a complete reversal of her earlier days as a fan.
In a recent interaction on Los Gonzalez de Tour, Coco shared how blessed she feels to be a role model. Although she recognizes the responsibility it comes with, she’s committed to doing her best. The children asked her fun questions, such as her favorite tournament (US Open), her favorite athlete (Serena Williams), and her favorite movie genre (she’s a big Marvel fan). She also expressed interest in venturing into brand creation one day — possibly in film or beauty — focusing more on the production side of things.
Recently, Coco launched her own management firm, Coco Gauff Enterprise, after parting ways with Team 8, the company co-founded by Roger Federer. She’s now signed with WME, an agency previously linked with Serena Williams, marking a significant step in her off-court career.
Gauff is also a proud ambassador for Carol’s Daughter, a natural hair care brand. She does her own hair and takes pride in representing Black hairstyles on the court, seeing it as a form of self-expression. She often styles her hair in box braids, twists, or natural curls and is vocal about the power of embracing one’s heritage.
In an ad campaign, Gauff shared that her favorite thing about her hair is its versatility. She said she could twist it, straighten it, or beat it — always serving a new look. “Not just strong, strong like me. Goddess Strong,” she confidently stated, highlighting her pride in both her identity and her hair.
Coco Gauff’s influence is now felt far beyond the tennis court. Her success, style, and dedication to inspiring the next generation have made her not just a future great, but a new icon entirely — one who honors the legacy of the Williams sisters while also forging her own unique path.