Coco Gauff has shared a candid reflection on her journey toward self‑acceptance, revealing that she once felt pressured to conform to expectations placed on her as a young Black athlete. Now 21, the two‑time Grand Slam champion says she has learned to embrace her identity without compromise.
Finding her voice as a young Black athlete
Gauff explained that early in her career she often tried to mold herself into what others expected. Speaking to Teen Vogue, she said, “In the past, I would try to fit into whatever box people were trying to put me in. You’re growing up in this world and especially in my sport, being a woman of color, just trying to fit in some sort of box, and as I’ve grown and matured, I’ve realized I just have to be myself and people appreciate that.”
Her comments highlight the pressures faced by young athletes navigating public scrutiny while also confronting cultural expectations.
The influence of Serena and Venus Williams
Throughout her rise, Gauff has repeatedly acknowledged the impact of Serena Williams and Venus Williams on her career. Their success, visibility and resilience provided a blueprint for her own ambitions, and she has never hesitated to credit them for opening doors for future generations.
After winning the 2023 US Open final, Gauff used her trophy ceremony speech to honor the sisters, recognizing their role in shaping the landscape she now thrives in.
Encouraging others to reject imposed limitations
Gauff also offered advice to young people who may feel boxed in by others’ expectations. She told Teen Vogue, “The biggest advice that I would give them is: You know your own limits. Don’t let other people put your limitations on you. You’ll find that oftentimes they limit you or dumb you down to a level that you don’t deserve to be at. I always tell people to keep pushing yourself and pushing your own limits.”
Her message reflects a broader theme in her public persona: empowerment, self‑belief and challenging restrictive narratives.
A leading figure on and off the court
Beyond her achievements on the court—two Grand Slam titles, a WTA Finals crown and a career‑high ranking of No. 2—Gauff has become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s tennis. Her influence extends into fashion, culture and global branding.
This week, she added another milestone to her growing portfolio by becoming a global ambassador for Mercedes‑Benz, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s most prominent and marketable athletes.
Cori Gauff in 2025
Currently the world no.3, Gauff played her last match on the 6th of November when she surrendered to world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(5) 6-2 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).
Currently, during this year Gauff has achieved a composed 48-16 win-loss record. The American conquered 3 titles in 2025 in Australia, French Open and Wuhan. The American got to the final in Madrid and Rome.
