Before Coco Gauff was lifting trophies and cashing $35 million in prize money and endorsements, she was just a 10-year-old with a racquet and a dream—playing none other than young Serena Williams in a commercial that would quietly mark the start of something iconic.
Talk about a full-circle flex.
In a now-legendary ad, little Coco channeled a young Serena with wide eyes, fierce determination, and—let’s be honest—plenty of foreshadowing. The shoot wasn’t just a gig; it was a moment. A quiet torch-passing, long before either of them knew just how much Gauff would rise to echo Serena’s greatness.
And here’s the kicker: that commercial was Coco’s first paycheck. Yep, before Grand Slams and Nike deals, she was already stepping into Serena’s shoes—literally. Not just mimicking her strokes, but soaking up her presence, her power, and her poise. A generation inspired by a legend, already writing its first chapter.
Serena, for her part, has always championed the next wave of talent—especially young Black girls in tennis. She didn’t just blaze trails; she left neon-lit roadmaps. And Coco followed them straight to the top.
So when people talk about Serena’s legacy, it’s not just in the trophies. It’s in the impact. It’s in moments like this: a commercial, a kid, and a dream sparked by a queen who redefined the game.
Coco may be the present—but Serena is forever the blueprint. 👑🎾🔥
