The American wunderkind, who won her opening match at the 2022 US Open over Leolia Jeanjean of France, grew up idolizing Williams — just like virtually every other budding talent in the sport.
But as a young Black girl coming up in Florida’s elite tennis scene, Gauff could relate to Williams to an extent few others could. Ahead of the 2022 US Open — where Gauff hopes to win her first major title and Williams will more than likely play her last — the 18-year-old lauded the 23-time Grand Slam champion for breaking through and becoming a legend “in a sport that’s predominantly white.”