Coco: The Rising Star of Tennis

The first time I watched Coco Gauff play tennis was when she won the U.S. Open in 2023. The sight of the triumphant 19-year-old athlete shedding tears of joy as she fell to the ground deeply moved me. Since that incredible win, I've been a big fan of Coco.

The now 20-year-old is currently playing (and dominating) in women's singles at the French Open, where she is also playing doubles with Kateřina Siniaková. Early this morning, she secured a spot in her third straight Grand Slam semi-final, becoming the youngest player since Maria Sharapova to do so.

Discover more about this rising star who is making waves in the world of tennis.

1. She makes history

When Coco Gauff secured the championship at the U.S. Open in 2023, she etched her name in history as the first American teenage player to clinch the title since Serena Williams' remarkable victory in 1999. This significant win marked her first major title, underscoring her as the future powerhouse of U.S. tennis. Anticipation swirled about a prospective triumph at the French Open, further underlining her prowess. Adding to her accolades, she earned the distinction of being the inaugural U.S. tennis player to earn a coveted spot on Team USA this summer. Her aspirations now extend to the Paris Olympics, where she aims to seize the gold medal.

2. Coco has athleticism in her blood

Coco's parents were college athletes, so it's no wonder Coco can serve a tennis ball over 125 mph. Her dad played basketball, and her mom ran track and field. Coco's athletic journey began at an early age-she started walking before she learned to crawl when she was nine months old. This early start kick-started her athletic abilities. At three, she was already chasing her cousins around a track field. By the time she was 19, she was spotted throwing a tight 40-yard spiral as part of her warm-up routine before the BNP Paris Open in Indian Wells, CA.

3. Everyone who's anyone wants Coco on their cover

In February, Coco was honored by being included in Time Magazine's Prestigious Woman of the Year list and was featured on the cover of the May 13th publication. The cover story explored the reasons behind the tennis star's decision to focus on her own priorities. Additionally, in April, she was featured on the cover of Vogue magazine, elegantly dressed in a breathtaking gold gown.

4. She's an activist

Coco does not choose to remain quiet about political or social issues in the United States and throughout the world. In 2022, she wrote "End gun violence" on a T.V. camera following the Uvalde, Texas, shooting. During the pandemic, she spoke out about George Floyd. She's also addressed issues such as banned books and the war in Gaza.

5. Who's Coco's boyfriend?

In the whirlwind of Coco's life, there's a hidden secret—she has a special someone. She's confided in the press about staying up late into the night talking to this mystery man before her matches. We know he isn't a celebrity or a tennis player, but Coco speaks highly of him, describing him as a "very nice guy." She even let slip to Vogue that he is in the process of applying to music school with aspirations of becoming an actor. He must truly feel fortunate to have such an extraordinary woman in his life.

With many years of tennis left, Coco Gauff is sure to make a lasting impact and influence on the sport. We look forward to watching her on the court as she finishes the French Open and as she reps the United States in Paris.

Mark your calendars! Coco Gauff is gearing up to face the defending champion, Iga Swiatek, in the French Open semifinals on June 6th. This is a match we assure you won't want to miss!