MY ACCOUNT
Coco Gauff believes her and fellow teen Robin Montgomery are products of Venus and Serena Williams’ legacy as the Roland Garros runner-up looks to inspire the next generation of African-American talent.
The two 18-year-old Americans collided in the opening round of the San Diego Open, with Gauff prevailing 6-3 6-3 in what was her first match since defeat by Caroline Garcia in the US Open quarter-finals last month.
This season’s Roland Garros finalist is widely believed to be the next dominant player from her nation following the retirement of Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows.
Along with sister Venus, the Williams sisters won a combined 30 major singles titles during their highly decorated careers, as well as 14 grand slam triumphs in women’s doubles, in which they are also the only pair to win a career golden slam.
And Gauff hopes she can follow the sisters’ well-trodden footsteps, while also going on to serve as an inspiration herself.
“It definitely affects the future a lot,” she said during her post-match interview. “If Serena and Venus saw this today; two 18-year-olds – both African-American – playing on the WTA 500 level – I think they would be proud.
“I think both of us are products of their legacy. I’m grateful that I had those examples to follow after, and I hope I can be an example myself.”
On the match, she said: “It was the first time playing someone younger than me in probably at least seven years. It was definitely a different feeling for me.
“I know Robin very well, we went on a couple of USTA trips back when we were about eight-years-old. She played really well, I expected a good level from her. I was pretty impressed with how well she was striking the ball; it was difficult for me.”
