Coco Gauff: 19-year-old tennis star, determined to succeed the Williams sisters, sweep TikTok

A star was born. From tennis, of course, but also from social networks and advertising. Maybe even activism.

Coco Gough Last week, she became the new champion of the U.S. Women’s Open, and by the way confirmed herself as the natural successor to the Williams sisters, becoming the youngest North American player to win the event since Serena won the Grand Slam in 1999. A teenager.

Only 19 years oldWith a record six professional tour titles, a 2022 French Open final and third place in the WTA rankings, Gauff wants it all. But most importantly, keep winning. “I want to win as many championships as possible,” he said after winning his first Grand Slam.

Comparisons to the Williams sisters (especially Serena) are not unwarranted. They start before they even hit puberty and have been building strength (and arguments) over the years.especially after

Gauff to beat Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 He was only 15 years old at the time and made his debut on the professional tour that same year.

Comparisons (not hate) to the Williams sisters

“That’s why I wanted to pick up a tennis racket,” she explains.

He started playing when he was six years old. Watching Serena on TV after winning the tournament. At the age of seven, her parents decided to move from Atlanta, where she was born in 2004, to Delray Beach, Florida, so that she could train with a better club. By the age of eight, Gauff knew she wanted to pursue a professional career in tennis, and her parents, two former college athletes (he played basketball, she practiced track), quit their respective jobs to devote everything to that goal.

since then,

his father (Richards Williams also used an approach that was both successful and controversial)

He has been responsible for training her and managing her career; His mother, who had previously worked as a teacher, had been devoted to his academic education. Goff, who has spoken openly about suffering from anxiety and depression due to stress, did not attend high school but completed all of her education through the American homeschooling model.

But like all Gen Z influencers, Gauff’s Tiktok sweeps of her own choreography also show she’s more than just an accomplished athlete. He has given speeches in support of the “Black Lives Matter” movement,

He publicly demonstrated against weapons and supported abortion rights When several environmental activists interrupted his U.S. Open semifinal match for more than 50 minutes to protest climate inaction, he used the incident to express solidarity with their cause.Even as she collected a $3 million check to prove she was her first Grand Slam winner, Gauff wanted

In defense of legend Billie Jean King and their efforts to compete for the financial prize money of the tournament from 50 years ago.

Coco Goff: The Birth of an Empire

Goff is also a money-making machine. Goff received his first paycheck at the age of ten (as a stunt double for Serena Williams in a commercial),

At the age of 14, he signed his first sponsorship contract with the sports brand New Balance.. Its sponsorship portfolio is relatively limited, although it also has commercial deals with pasta brand Barilla or racket maker Head. According to North American media reports, their strategy is to wait for the right time to expand. Clearly, that moment has arrived.

along with

Serena Williams announces retirement is imminentBrands traditionally associated with the world of tennis are looking for a new North American superstar to take their place. Goff has what it takes to fill the void.

not exploiting its full commercial potential (although last year it entered

US$12 million sponsorship), five years into his career, Goff has earned more than $11 million for his wins on the court. This number is a far cry from the empire Serena Williams has built that is worth over $290 million. But Goff is only 19 years old. And his entire career.