Coco Gauff shares an emotional message for her
'friend and mentor' Serena Williams just a week before the Olympic Games. The
world No. 2 will be in Paris 2024, which will be held at Roland Garros, where
she reached the final in 2022.
Gauff wrote a letter to herself four years ago
on the Olympic Games website. The American qualified for Tokyo 2021 as world
No. 23, but could not participate due to testing positive for COVID-19 a day
before traveling to Asia.
Gauff pens touching message to Serena Williams
The American No. 1 will bear the responsibility
of bringing a medal back to the USA in women's tennis at the Olympic Games,
something Serena Williams last achieved in 2012. The 23-time Grand Slam
champion won four Olympic gold medals in singles and doubles.
Gauff, 21, will participate in the Olympic
Games for the first time and has repeatedly expressed her excitement about
finally attending the Olympic event. She now sent a letter to herself at 17,
when she was left out of Tokyo due to testing positive for COVID-19, preventing
her from traveling.
"Behind a stream of tears, you’re going to
wonder how you’ll ever be able to break the news to your team captain. Your
teammates and friends will have to contend on behalf of your country without
you," she wrote. "The fresh perspective on your situation will make a
new goal clear to you: qualifying for the 2024 Paris Games.
“While tennis is an individual sport, you
relish the relationships with your teammates,” the 2023 US Open champion wrote,
“You’ve been lucky enough that your on-court relationships have turned into
off-court friendships. One of those notable friendships is with your idol,
Serena Williams."
Serena Williams at 2021 Wimbledon.
“Serena was once just a stranger printed on a
poster hanging in your room, and now you still can’t believe she’s a friend and
mentor," she added. “Her profound impact on tennis, what it means to be a
champion and to break barriers is a legacy you hope to uphold and carry with
you into your first Olympic Games.”
The last female American to win a medal in
singles was Serena Williams' gold in 2012. Before that, it was at the Sydney
2000 Olympic Games when Venus Williams won gold and Monica Seles took bronze.
Read also
Since then, in both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020,
American female players have not won a medal in singles or doubles. However, in
Rio, they won gold and silver medals in mixed doubles, with the pair of
Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jack Sock defeating Venus Williams and Rajeev Ram in
the final.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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