“I Am Following the Footsteps of Serena and Venus Williams — They Paved the Way for Me,” Says Coco Gauff After Roland Garros Triumph

June 9, 2025 – Paris, France
With the gleaming Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy in her hands and tears in her eyes, Coco Gauff made history at Roland-Garros, then paid tribute to the two women who inspired her path: Serena and Venus Williams.

Moments after securing her first French Open title, the 20-year-old American stood beside the tennis legends for a photo that fans are already calling “iconic” — and delivered a powerful message:

“I am following in the footsteps of Serena and Venus Williams. They paved the way for me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

A Victory Decades in the Making

Gauff’s win isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a continuation of a legacy. For decades, Serena and Venus Williams have dominated the world stage, breaking barriers, redefining excellence, and inspiring a generation of Black athletes to dream bigger.

Now, Gauff is stepping into that legacy, not as a shadow — but as a torchbearer.

“They showed me what greatness looks like, not just in tennis, but in life. Their strength, their grace, their fight — I try to carry that every time I step on court.”

From Idol to Icon

Coco’s admiration for the Williams sisters is no secret. She’s spoken often about watching them as a child, mimicking their serves, and dreaming of moments like this. On Sunday, that dream became real — and in the most poetic way possible, she shared it with the very women who started it all.

Dressed in a bold green kit, trophy in hand, and standing between Venus and Serena — both beaming with pride — Gauff’s photo has already gone viral, symbolizing a generational passing of the torch.

A Moment That Echoes

Social media lit up after Gauff’s win:

• “This is history in motion. From Venus to Serena to Coco — the legacy is unstoppable,” wrote one fan.
• “We’re witnessing Black excellence unfold across generations,” said another.

Final Thoughts

With grace, grit, and grounded humility, Coco Gauff’s victory is more than just a title — it’s a tribute. A salute to the giants who came before her. A promise to continue blazing trails.

And as she held the Roland Garros trophy high, one truth was clear: Coco Gauff isn’t just following in the footsteps of Serena and Venus — she’s making new tracks of her own.