American tennis star Coco Gauff is pursuing a milestone at the 2025 French Open that places her firmly in the spotlight of tennis history. Currently preparing to face Madison Keys in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, Gauff is chasing a French Open tennis record that echoes the achievements of her longtime idols, the Williams sisters.
Gauff’s journey intertwines deeply with the legacy of Venus and Serena Williams, who have shaped not only her ambitions but also the broader landscape of American tennis. From her early days practicing at Pompey Park in Delray, Florida—a place important to the Williams sisters—Gauff’s development has mirrored the path of these tennis greats.
Early Influences and Rising Through the Ranks
From the age of nine, when she served as a body double for a young Serena Williams in a commercial, Gauff’s admiration for the Williams sisters was evident. By upsetting Venus at Wimbledon in 2019, she made her own mark on the tennis world. Progressing rapidly, Gauff became World No. 2 and clinched her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, demonstrating her ability to convert potential into results.
Her mother, Candi Gauff, acknowledged the Williams family’s influence, remarking,
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If it wasn’t for the Williams sisters, Coco would not be a tennis player,
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and emphasized how the family’s tennis roadmap, pioneered by Richard Williams, shaped their approach to the sport.
The connection extends beyond inspiration; Gauff’s maternal grandmother, Yvonne Odom, also coached tennis at the same park where Serena and Venus refined their skills during middle school, grounding Gauff’s development in familiar surroundings.
Records Matched and Milestones at Roland Garros
At just 21 years old, Gauff has matched Venus Williams’ record by reaching five or more women’s singles quarterfinals in Grand Slam events, a feat no younger player has achieved since 2001. Her consistent performances at the French Open—backed by strong clay court statistics including a 15-3 record during the current clay season—underscore her prowess at Roland Garros.
Gauff’s recent run includes back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome, reinforcing her status as a leading contender on clay. This upward trajectory has brought her close to an achievement not seen since Serena Williams won the French Open singles title in 2015, when she defeated Lucie Šafářová in the final. Gauff aims to be the first American woman to win the Roland Garros singles crown since that victory.
Legacy and Personal Aspirations Linked to Serena Williams
Gauff’s connection to Serena Williams goes beyond admiration, forming a motivation to surpass her legacy. As a 15-year-old, Gauff declared her ambition clearly, stating,
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I want to be the best ever,
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and,
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I want to be better than Serena, and I want to have that Grand Slam record.
”
These words resonate as she pushes deeper into major tournaments, with the French Open offering a prime stage to advance her vision. Though comparisons to Serena may seem daunting, Gauff and her family embrace the influence of the Williams sisters as a foundation, not a burden.
Gauff’s Growing Presence in Tennis and Next Steps
With a Grand Slam title under her belt and steady performances in major events, Coco Gauff has established herself as a dominant force on the professional tennis circuit. Her current campaign at Roland Garros aims to add another chapter to her story and could potentially rewrite American tennis history by ending an eight-year drought in French Open women’s singles winners.
Her upcoming quarterfinal match against Madison Keys is more than a contest; it’s an opportunity to solidify her place among tennis greats and continue honoring the trail blazed by Serena and Venus Williams, who remain central figures in her journey.