Coco Gauff became the talk of the tennis world after defeating Iga Swiatek. It was a momentous victory, as the two have encountered seven times previously, and the WTA 1st seed won all seven matches without losing a set. The odds were against the American star, but Gauff beat Swiatek in a nail-biting thriller. After her win at the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters, the 19-year-old was asked about her greatest inspirations. The former doubles number one said it countless times, and she stood by it again.

Ever since Gauff started working with Andre Agassi’s ex-coach, Brad Gilbert, wins are piling up for her. Considering her upturn in form, she will be going in as one of the favorites for the US Open title.

Coco Gauff names the Williams sisters as her biggest inspirations

Serena Williams and Venus Williams revolutionized tennis and practically introduced the game to most people of color. The legends are one of the reasons why people of color took up professional tennis, continuing the legacy of the Williams sisters. While nothing can come close to what they achieved together, inspiration to do more can always be found in every chapter of the Williams sisters’ story.

Coco Gauff, the Citi Open winner, never leaves an opportunity to express her admiration and awe for the legendary sisters. In a conversation with ‘Tennis Channel,’ after the victory, Gauff was asked about her inspirations. Without a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Definitely the Williams sisters. They are the reasons why I started playing tennis, and honestly, their fight.”

Gauff elaborated on it while addressing Queen Vee’s comeback. She spoke, “Watching them fight day in, day out, even Venus starting off down 5-1 in the earlier rounds and coming back. Just their fight, I mean who they are on and off the court.”

Along with the Williams sisters, the rising tennis star also draws inspiration from a basketball legend, who became the 1st active NBA player to join the billionaire club.

READ MORE: ‘I’m at Zero’ – Humility Finds a Home in Coco Gauff as the 19YO Aims to Emulate Novak Djokovic’s ‘Main Act’ Status

The American teenage sensation names NBA legend as one of her inspirations

The 7th seed in WTA holds NBA legend LeBron James in high regard. Gauff said, “…LeBron James. You know, when people defy him and saying you know, he is old, or he can’t come back, I was thinking about when he was down 3-1 and came back. I was like, if him and his team can do it, then you know I can do it down one point and two whole games.”

The Akron Hammer is the only player to lead a 3-1 comeback in the finals of NBA history. He did it in 2016, and his team grabbed the championship for the 3rd time.

Breaking a 14-set dominance is not an easy feat, but with the right tactics, Gauff broke the record Swiatek held against her. She followed this impressive victory by outclassing Karolina Muchova in the final to claim her first WTA 1000 title.

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