Gauff has had a few role models and sources of inspiration since she was a young girl. Some are athletes who have supported her in different ways, while others are family members.
Serena Williams and Venus Williams were the 20-year-old’s main tennis role models. Gauff competed in her first competition at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at the age of 15, defeating Venus.
As Gauff rose through the ranks in what has been and still is a mostly white sport, Serena and Venus helped her deal with being a sore thumb.
Gauff frequently highlights her parents’ support, thanking them for letting her follow her dream of being a professional tennis player instead of pressuring her to seek another career path.
The US Open champion from the previous year has also talked about Lee Odom’s impact, and Gauff sometimes become quite emotional when talking about how much she means to her.
The eight-time WTA champion Gauff cited her grandmother as the main reason she isn’t scared to support social and political causes throughout her quest to the US Open title.
Indeed, I believe that she is either “the” only or a major factor in why I utilize my platform in the manner that I do and why I feel so at ease speaking up.
Sportspro ranked Gauff as the most marketable tennis player in the world, surpassing players like Novak Djokovic, in part because of his openness to discuss significant problems.
It must have helped to have such a caring and loving family, but Gauff certainly deserves most of the credit for her remarkable accomplishments at such an early age.
In a heartfelt letter, the grandmother of the 2022 French Open runner-up expressed her pride in her granddaughter, adding that she was always meant for greatness and that she would remain proud as long as Gauff constantly gives it her all.
Indeed, she is most likely “the” only or a major factor in why I feel so comfortable speaking up and using my platform in the manner that I do.
“As I’ve always said, if you give it your all, whether you win or lose, I might not give a damn if you win another match because you’ve already made me proud. Thus, always try your hardest. As your grandfather used to say, “Never say die.”
Gauff is a great source of pride for her grandmother and her family. The 20-year-old is already a very accomplished and decorated player, but she also has a positive attitude during games that might motivate younger players.
When Gauff is not feeling well on the court, she fights bravely and pulls off multiple victories, which is a terrific quality to have. However, this year’s China Open winner occasionally struggles throughout matches, particularly with her second serve.