Coco Gauff has been one of tennis’ rising stars in recent years. Already a Grand Slam winner, the American star, currently World No. 2, has made her way to the top of the WTA elite. While she has already revealed who she considers to be the GOAT of tennis, she recently opened up about which athletes inspired her outside of tennis. “Sydney McLaughlin is someone I really like and look up to in that way,” she said of the two-time Olympic hurdler and sprinter. She also had some words for Simone Biles, who has won 11 Olympic medals.
“She just pushes herself and to me that’s crazy because in tennis we had Rafa, Roger and Novak all pushing each other, but in gymnastics, she doesn’t have anyone. So, the fact that she’s been able to move against herself. I think it is pretty cool,” she said during a press conference in Roland Garros. Gauff also mentioned some basketball legends. “You have the obvious like LeBron, Michael and Kobe, that Mamba mentality. Those are people I look up to outside of tennis, but in tennis, it’s the usual: Serena, Rafa, Novak and Roger. The best of the best,” she added.
Cori “Coco” Gauff, the 21-year-old tennis sensation, has captivated the world with her on-court prowess and off-court maturity. While her athletic achievements are well-documented, her inspirations beyond tennis offer a deeper insight into the values that drive her.
The Williams Sisters: Foundational Influences
From a young age, Coco was drawn to the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, whose dominance in tennis broke barriers and set new standards. Their resilience, especially Serena’s ability to come back from setbacks, provided Coco with a blueprint for perseverance and excellence in the sport .
LeBron James: A Beacon of Resilience
LeBron James, often hailed as one of basketball’s greatest, has been a significant influence on Coco. She admires his ability to overcome challenges, particularly referencing his 2016 NBA Finals comeback. This resilience resonates with Coco, reminding her that setbacks are merely setups for comebacks .
Simone Biles: Prioritizing Mental Health
Gymnast Simone Biles’ decision to step back from competition during the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health was a pivotal moment for athletes worldwide. Coco lauds Biles for her bravery, recognizing that true strength lies in acknowledging one’s limits and prioritizing well-being .
Michael Jordan: The Pinnacle of Excellence
Michael Jordan’s unparalleled work ethic and competitive spirit have inspired countless athletes, including Coco. His journey from setbacks to becoming a global icon underscores the importance of determination and self-belief.
Venus Williams: A Trailblazer in Tennis
Venus Williams’ pioneering efforts in advocating for equal pay and her consistent performance on the court have left an indelible mark on the sport. Coco looks up to Venus not only for her athletic achievements but also for her role in championing gender equality in tennis.
Serena Williams: A Legacy of Greatness
Serena Williams’ legacy extends beyond her 23 Grand Slam titles. Her influence on Coco is profound, serving as a constant reminder of the heights one can achieve with talent, hard work, and a relentless drive.
Yvonne Lee: A Personal Connection
Coco’s grandmother, Yvonne Lee, holds a special place in her heart. As the first African American to integrate her Florida high school in 1961, Yvonne’s courage and determination have been a source of inspiration for Coco, emphasizing the importance of breaking barriers and standing up for what is right.
The Power of Representation
For Coco, seeing individuals who look like her succeed in various fields has been empowering. Representation matters, and witnessing these role models has fueled her ambition to excel and inspire others.
Balancing Faith and Ambition
Coco’s Christian faith plays a central role in her life. She often speaks about the strength she derives from her beliefs, especially during challenging times. This spiritual foundation helps her stay grounded and focused on her goals.
Community Engagement: Giving Back
Beyond her athletic endeavors, Coco is committed to making a positive impact in her community. Collaborating with actress Storm Reid, she helped fund a new playground and tennis courts in East Atlanta’s Brownwood Park, showcasing her dedication to uplifting others .
Cultural Awareness: Embracing Heritage
Coco is deeply aware of her cultural heritage and often speaks about the significance of Juneteenth, the rich culinary traditions of Black culture, and the importance of understanding history. This cultural consciousness shapes her worldview and actions.
Advocacy for Mental Health
Recognizing the pressures athletes face, Coco advocates for mental health awareness. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help and creating an environment where discussing mental well-being is normalized.
The Role of Sports in Social Change
Coco believes in the transformative power of sports to drive social change. She acknowledges that athletes have platforms to address issues and inspire movements, and she strives to use her voice for positive impact.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
While Coco continues to shine on the tennis court, her aspirations extend beyond sports. She envisions a future where she can influence change, mentor young athletes, and contribute to causes close to her heart.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s inspirations paint a picture of a young woman grounded in values of resilience, community, and advocacy. Drawing from a diverse array of role models, she exemplifies how influences outside one’s primary field can shape character and drive. As she continues her journey, Coco remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that greatness is not just about achievements but also about the impact one has on the world.
FAQs
1. Who are Coco Gauff’s primary inspirations outside tennis?
Coco draws inspiration from figures like LeBron James, Simone Biles, the Williams sisters, and her grandmother, Yvonne Lee, among others.
2. How has LeBron James influenced Coco Gauff?
Coco admires LeBron’s resilience, particularly his 2016 NBA Finals comeback, which taught her the value of perseverance.
3. What role does faith play in Coco Gauff’s life?
Coco’s Christian faith provides her with strength and guidance, especially during challenging times.
4. How does Coco Gauff give back to her community?
Coco collaborates with others to fund community projects, such as the new playground and tennis courts in East Atlanta’s Brownwood Park.
5. What are Coco Gauff’s future aspirations?
Beyond tennis, Coco aims to mentor young athletes, advocate for social causes, and continue making a positive impact in her community.
