Gauff uses speech at WTA 50th anniversary event to pay tribute to Serena Williams
WTASunday, 27 August 2023 at 07:00
America’s young tennis star Coco Gauff has paid tribute in a
speech to the former world number one Serena Williams.
The 41-year-old retired from professional tennis last year
in September and ended her career as one of the greatest of all time in the
history of women’s singles tennis, having won as many as 23 Grand Slam titles.
Gauff, in a speech during the 50-year celebration of the formation
of the WTA, paid homage to Serena and explained how the success of the former
world number one motivated her to play the game at the highest level.
“It feels a bit like I’ve walked into a women’s tennis
history book that has come to life,” said Gauff. “The WTA history that we all
celebrate, is about a tour founded by women who were unafraid, and carried on
by women who are empowered by the legacy we work every day to build upon.”
“In Serena Williams, I watched someone who dominated women’s
tennis in a way no one else has ever had. More importantly, I saw someone who
looked like me, and helped me believe I could achieve as I follow my own unique
path.
“These women, and so many others, were trailblazers, who
have given every generation after them the opportunity and the inspiration to
find our voices, and the global platform to speak out about issues that matter
to us.
“When I look at the WTA tour today, I see the hard work, the
drive, the passion, the determination to excel an continue to fight. And, I
hope that young girls watching us today will be as inspired by us as we were,
by many of you in this room. I want to wish the WTA a happy 50th. It’s been an
incredible ride so far, and I am very happy and grateful to be a part of the
WTA’s future.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- Is there no one in Pro Tennis willing to give this one some form of intervention before she crashes??
mandoist04-09-2026 - Double Standards for the male players? Gross. BTW: This "apology" reads like the one his lawyers wrote for him when he had to go to the Kangaroo Court for slapping his girlfriend around.mandoist04-09-2026
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not just the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- In her defense... she has no "defense" and likely could not articulate it if she did.mandoist03-09-2026
- Someone is not enjoying her gradual slide down the rankings, which became noticeable last season. BTW: That reporter's on to something familiar -- the effects of Social Media Stardom on one's Second Priority (Tennis). Shades of Bouchard, Giorgi, Raducanu, etc.mandoist03-09-2026
- Sabalenka seems so unhappy. When you get angry after every mistake you make on court, you’ve got some issues sweetie! She also does seem to be “partying” a lot if you follow her social media (I don’t lolol). Very immature personality.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- The main difference for bigger names like Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverez, etc. is that they usually make it to the later stages of tournaments while 99% of the other players win a round or two and then move on to the next tournament. The bigger names are playing more, playing longer and therefore more injury issues. The money is great but it all comes with a price!DaveyWavey03-09-2026
Loading
