Coco Gauff: A Rising Legend in Women’s Tennis
Cori “Coco” Gauff has emerged as one of the most influential figures in modern women’s tennis. Known for her speed, powerful baseline play, and remarkable maturity on court, Gauff has grown from a teenage sensation into a Grand Slam champion and a consistent top-tier competitor.
Early Breakthroughs
Gauff first captured global attention in 2019 when, at just 15 years old, she defeated Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon. That run would take her to the fourth round and instantly establish her as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents. By the end of the year, she won her first WTA singles title at the Linz Open in Austria, becoming the youngest WTA titleholder since 2004.
2021: A Season of Firsts and Steady Climb
Starting the year ranked No. 48, Gauff made solid progress throughout 2021. At the Abu Dhabi Open, she secured an opening win before bowing out in the second round. At the Australian Open, she defeated Jil Teichmann but fell to Elina Svitolina in the second round. In doubles, she and longtime partner Caty McNally reached the quarterfinals.
Her performance began to surge during the clay season. She reached the semifinals at the WTA 1000 Italian Open-her first at that level-after a strong quarterfinal win, not by default due to Ash Barty’s injury. Although she lost to Iga Świątek in the semifinals, the result pushed her into the WTA top 30 for the first time.
At the Emilia-Romagna Open, Gauff captured both the singles and doubles titles (with McNally), becoming the youngest player since Maria Sharapova in 2004 to do so at the same event. She broke into the top 25 in singles and top 50 in doubles as a result.
The 2021 French Open marked another career milestone. Seeded 24th, she advanced to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, defeating Aleksandra Krunić, Wang Qiang, Ons Jabeur, and receiving a walkover from Jennifer Brady. Gauff became the youngest American to reach a Roland Garros quarterfinal since Jennifer Capriati in 1993. She lost to eventual champion Barbora Krejčíková in straight sets.
Her Wimbledon performance was also strong, reaching the fourth round with victories over Elena Vesnina and Kaja Juvan before losing to Angelique Kerber. In doubles, she and McNally reached the third round.
Gauff was selected to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021), but had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.
At the 2021 US Open, she defeated Magda Linette before falling to Sloane Stephens. In doubles, she and McNally reached their first Grand Slam final, losing to Sam Stosur and Zhang Shuai. Contrary to some reports, they did drop a set en route to the final.
2022 to Mid-2025: Grand Slam Glory and No. 1 in Doubles
In 2022, Gauff reached her first Grand Slam singles final at the French Open, finishing runner-up to Iga Świątek. Later that year, she ascended to world No. 1 in doubles, after consistent results alongside Jessica Pegula.
Her biggest career breakthrough came in 2023 when she won the US Open singles title, becoming the youngest American to win a Grand Slam since Serena Williams. Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final, solidifying her place among tennis elites. She ended the year in the WTA top 3.
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Gauff maintained strong performances in both singles and doubles. As of mid-2025, she holds:
- 6 WTA singles titles, including the 2023 US Open
- 9 WTA doubles titles
- Career-high singles ranking: No. 2
- Career-high doubles ranking: No. 1
Legacy in the Making
At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff continues to balance youthful energy with a game that grows more complete each season. Off the court, she is a vocal advocate for racial and social justice, and an inspiration to young athletes worldwide.
Whether competing in Grand Slams or WTA 1000 tournaments, Gauff’s rise represents the future of women’s tennis-a blend of power, poise, and purpose.
