"She probably influenced millions": Coco Gauff approves Serena Williams selection in 100 most influential people list

America’s Coco Gauff has approved the selection of the former world number one Serena Williams in the list of The Times Most Influential People in the world. The 43-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of women’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era.

Gauff, who is now regarded as one of the best players in the world in women’s tennis along with the likes of Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka, Poland’s Iga Swiatek and America’s Jessica Pegula, is currently taking part in the Stuttgart Open where she cemented her spot in the quarterfinal after beating Germany’s Ella Seidel in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-1. Talking after the match, the reigning world number four approved the selection of Serena in the list of 100 most influential people on the planet

"Most influential people of all time, I mean, that's an incredible accomplishment that she definitely deserves," said Gauff as quoted by Tennis.com. "She probably influenced millions, and I'm one of them. Not only in tennis but worldwide, just to be strong women and especially women of color. It's well-deserved. I wasn't surprised when I saw that. Her photos looked really good."

Serena retired from professional tennis in 2022 in order to give more time to her family. She finished her illustrious career with 23 Grand Slam titles, which is the most by a women’s player in the singles category in the Open era. The 43-year-old lifted the Australian Open and Wimbledon on seven occasions each. Her first major title was the US Open in 1999 where she defeated former world number one Martina Hingis in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6. Her last major title came in 2017 when she lifted the Australian Open after beating her sister Venus Williams in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4.