TRENDING

At just 16 years old, Coco Gauff is making moves that most adults could only dream of. Ranked in the top 100 players by the Women's Tennis Association—the youngest player on the list—and a career-high ranking of No. 49 in singles tennis, Coco is practically unstoppable.

But for her, tennis is more than just a sport.

"Personally for me, I like playing for more than myself," Coco wrote for Behind the Racquet. "I have girls now coming up to me, of all races but mostly African Americans, saying they are picking up a racquet for the first time because of me. It amazes me since that is how I got into the sport."

Although Coco's path may look similar to that of Venus and Serena Williams, two of the most trailblazing Black women in tennis who have won a combined 30 Grand Slam titles, Coco explained that she is not quite ready for the comparisons.

"For me, one of the biggest things is to continue breaking barriers. At the same time I don’t like being compared to Serena or Venus," Coco wrote. "First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up. It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols."

The Williams sisters paved the way for Coco, she explained, which is why she can "never be them." But the inspiration she drew from them in the sport, and as a Black woman, is unmatched.

"I would never have even thought about joining tennis, without them a part of it, since there were very few African Americans in the sport," Coco wrote. "For all they did, I shouldn’t yet be compared to them."

Fortunately, Coco is well on her way to becoming a household name, and she is an inspiration for young girls, motivating them to do better on the court and in their lives worldwide.

"I am getting used to the idea that people view me as a role model. It does add a bit of pressure since I know people are watching every move," Coco wrote. "For the most part it is easy because I am always just being myself, not putting up a front, which people seem to be okay with."

According to ESPN, Coco is the youngest player to ever qualify for Wimbledon's main draw, and she recently paved her way to the fourth round of this year's Austrailan Open. 

Who is the most inspiring athlete in your life? Share with us in the comments!

Slider Image: instagram.com/cocogauff

by Logan Potter | 4/23/2020