Coco Gauff has taken the tennis world by storm, becoming one of the youngest and most exciting stars of her generation. With her incredible athleticism, mental toughness, and composure on the court, many fans are curious: Who inspired her to become the powerhouse she is today? You might be surprised to learn who Coco Gauff calls her true idol — and why that figure played such a massive role in shaping her journey.
Coco has been open about the fact that her biggest tennis inspiration is Serena Williams. From a young age, Gauff looked up to Serena not just as a tennis legend, but as a symbol of strength, resilience, and Black excellence. In interviews, Coco has repeatedly said that watching Serena dominate the sport gave her the belief that she, too, could rise to the top.
Growing up, Gauff watched Serena win Grand Slams, break records, and carry herself with confidence both on and off the court. For a young Black girl dreaming of greatness, Serena wasn’t just a role model — she was proof that greatness was within reach. Gauff once said, “I wouldn’t be here without Serena. I never thought I could do this because I never saw someone who looked like me dominate the sport the way she did.”
In a poetic twist of fate, Coco Gauff got the chance to play against Venus Williams, Serena’s older sister, at Wimbledon in 2019 — and she won. It was a surreal moment, not only for her but for tennis fans around the world who saw the passing of the torch from one generation of powerful Black female athletes to the next.
But while Serena is her ultimate idol, Gauff also credits her parents as personal heroes. Her father, Corey Gauff, has been her primary coach and motivator, while her mother, Candi, supported her homeschooling and education. Together, they created an environment that nurtured both her athletic and personal development — a fact Gauff often highlights when discussing her success.
Today, Coco Gauff stands as an inspiration herself, encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams with confidence, hard work, and authenticity. And just as Serena inspired Coco, Coco is now doing the same for the next generation.
So, who is Coco Gauff’s true idol? Serena Williams — a living legend who paved the way for girls like Coco to shine. And as Coco continues her ascent in tennis, she carries that legacy with pride.
