Coco Gauff says she’s be happy to achieve ‘5%’ of idol Serena Williams’ success

Coco Gauff says she’s be happy to achieve ‘5%’ of idol Serena Williams’ success © USTA/X – Fair Use

Coco Gauff is thrilled to have joined Serena Williams as the French Open winner and even admits she would be happy to pull off “five percent” of her idol’s success.

Two years ago, Gauff became the first American teenager since Williams to win the US Open and also lifted her maiden Grand Slam at the same venue as the former 23-time Major winner.

Then last weekend, she became the first American female to win the French Open since the tennis icon in 2015. Also, she became the youngest American woman to win it all at Roland Garros since 2002.

Gauff, who turned 21 in March, now has two Grand Slams in her collection and she is still miles away from emulating Williams’ 23 Majors. However, she has replicated some of her idol’s records and that is enough for her.

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“It means a lot. She’s the reason I picked up the racket and the sport, and have the belief that I do,” the 21-year-old said on Good Morning America.

“And for me, to be able to be in any conversation with her, obviously she has her own legacy that will never be touched, but for me just to even have like a 5% of that, means so much to me and dreaming big and watching her compete in real life… I don’t know. It’s just crazy to say that 10 years later, I’m here with that trophy after she held it, so it means a lot and to finally put Americans back in that French Open conversation.”

When Gauff achieved her goal of becoming a Grand Slam champion, she instantly highlighted that she wanted more. And she ensured that she won’t finish her career as a one-time Major winner.

Knowing Gauff and her mindset, she will now fully switch her focus to Wimbledon and lock in on triumphing at The Championships for the first time.