Ever since winning the US Open trophy last year, Coco Gauff has been in the news. At just 19, she claimed victory on the sport’s biggest stage. She did so in front of her home fans, who were right behind her during the tournament. Today, Gauff turned a year older as she celebrates her 20th birthday. On this special occasion, she received heartwarming messages from Billie Jean King and her coach, Brad Gilbert.

With growing popularity, a good deal of tennis legends have often spoken about Gauff’s game. It has become a subject of much interest amongst the tennis fraternity, as Gauff is a player to watch out for. Here’s what King and Gilbert had to say.

Billie Jean King and Brad Gilbert wish Coco Gauff

The legendary duo took to social media to share their birthday wishes for Gauff. King took to her official Twitter handle and shared a picture with Gauff, along with a sweet birthday message. She wrote, “Today is @CocoGauff’s birthday! Please join me in sending best wishes to the 2023 @usopen women’s singles champion. She’s playing today in the Round of 16 in #TennisParadise.”

On the other hand, Gilbert reacted to a Twitter post that celebrated Gauff’s birthday with a childhood memory. The brief Twitter video captures a young Gauff confidently displaying her dance skills and having a great time at a tennis stadium. Gilbert reacted to the post with a combination of emoticons, which suggested Gauff’s cool act that was remembered on her birthday.

While Gilbert is currently coaching Gauff, Billie Jean King has been in awe of the American sensation. The 2023 US Open celebrated 50 years of equality, in which King was at the forefront of its fight. Gauff’s triumph in the tournament last year made King feel that her motivation to compete had been vindicated.

When Jean King heaped praise on Gauff

During an interview last year, the American legend was full of praise for Gauff after her US Open triumph. As a result, she made a heartfelt revelation about her.

Read More: ‘Obama Was 12 Years Old..’- 5 Decades After Game-Changing Move, Billie Jean King Stamps the Profound Impact of Her Bobby Riggs Battle

King said, “Coco winning was just fantastic. When I see her, she’s the reason we fought so hard 50 years ago. I think she’s such a force because of her background and care for social justice.”

Gauff remains a force to reckon with in women’s tennis for years to come. She’s going strong in the ongoing Indian Wells tournament, where she reached the pre-quarterfinals. Can Gauff find success in this tournament? Let us know your views in the comments below.