Securing a second Grand Slam title wasn’t the only thing Coco Gauff achieved with her 2025 French Open victory—it also ignited a wave of conversation around her bold post-match comments talking about tennis icon Serena Williams.
Fresh off a dramatic 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 win over Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final, the 21-year-old American became the first U.S. woman to win Roland Garros since Serena’s 2015 triumph. Her performance was dominant, dropping only two sets throughout the tournament and cementing her status as a clay-court powerhouse.
Is Coco Gauff ready to inherit Serena Williams’ throne?
But it was Gauff’s candid remarks in the aftermath that stole headlines. When asked about facing Serena in a hypothetical match, Gauff replied, “If we played on clay, I feel like I could have got her, but any other surface, it would have been tough”.
The statement quickly sparked reactions across the tennis world, with some applauding her confidence and others cautioning against premature comparisons.
Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most dominant players in tennis history, has long been Gauff’s idol. Coco Gauff has repeatedly credited Serena for inspiring her to pick up a racket, making the comparison both bold and personal.
Coco Gauff vs Serena Williams
Analysts were quick to point out the nuances. Gauff’s record on clay—85 wins to 29 losses—is impressive, but Serena’s all-surface dominance and mental edge set her apart.
Some, including tennis legend Andy Murray, weighed in on the broader implications of Gauff’s comments, suggesting young stars should focus on their own paths rather than comparisons with past legends.
What’s next for Coco Gauff?
As Gauff turns her attention to Wimbledon later this month, the tennis world watches with renewed interest. Whether or not she could have beaten Serena remains speculation.
But what’s clear is that Gauff is carving out her own legacy, one confident statement and historic win at a time.