“Serena Williams was once just a stranger” – Coco Gauff expresses disbelief at being ‘mentored’ by fellow American ahead of Olympics debut
Coco Gauff recently dedicated a column to her 17-year-old self ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. She shed some light on how Serena Williams went from being her idol to a friend and mentor, while also acknowledging how privileged she felt at representing USA at the quadrennial event.
Gauff is seeded second in the women’s singles competition at this year’s Games. The 20-year-old is also top-seeded in women’s and mixed doubles, where she will team up with Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz, respectively.The American claimed in her column for the Paris Olympics website that she was honored to wear her country’s colors. The World No. 2 also admitted that tennis had provided her an avenue to get to know some of her fellow Americans, one of whom was Serena Williams.
“It’s always been an honor to represent the United States,” Coco Gauff wrote in the column. “As a member of the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team, you will rally for the red, white and blue throughout your career, a distinct privilege you will enjoy.
“While tennis is an individual sport, you relish the relationships with your teammates. You’ve been lucky enough that your on-court relationships have turned into off-court friendships. One of those notable friendships is with your idol, Serena Williams.”
Gauff further disclosed that as a child, she hung the 23-time Major winner’s poster in her room.
“Serena was once just a stranger printed on a poster hanging in your room, and now you still can’t believe she’s a friend and mentor,” she added. “Her profound impact on tennis, what it means to be a champion and to break barriers is a legacy you hope to uphold and carry with you into your first Olympic Games.”
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Coco Gauff: “Besides the battle on the court, be sure to enjoy the whole experience”
Coco Gauff practices at Paris Olympics
Coco Gauff practices at Paris Olympics
Coco Gauff was initially supposed to make her debut at the Olympics in Tokyo three years ago. However, she contracted COVID-19 just before the tennis event at the Games began, forcing her to withdraw at the last moment.
In her column, the American expressed joy at the prospect of finally making her Olympic debut. She also beckoned herself to enjoy the atmosphere regardless of whether she secured a medal or not.
“Besides the battle on the court, be sure to enjoy the whole experience outside the confines of Roland-Garros,” Coco Gauff wrote. “In your phone under your vision notes, you wrote that you want to win a medal at the Olympics. Gold, silver, bronze – it doesn’t matter. But you’ve already won, you’ve made your childhood dream of playing at the Olympics, representing the United States, a real reality. And now, finally, you get to enjoy it.”
Gauff will begin her women’s singles campaign at the Paris Olympics on either Saturday (July 27) or Sunday (July 28).
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