American tennis star C praises Serena Williams and her family for paving the way for the next generation of black tennis players. Williams announced her impending retirement from tennis earlier in the day.
“I grew up watching her. That’s why I play tennis,” said 18-year-old Gauff after her first round victory over her compatriot Madison Brengle in the Toronto WTA tournament. “In tennis as a predominantly white sport, that helped a lot. Because I saw someone who looked like me and was the best in the sport. It helped me believe that I could someday be able to do that.”
Gauff hopes to take on Williams before retiring from the sport. The 23-time grand slam winner is expected to participate in the US Open that starts this month in New York.
“I’ve always wanted to play against her. So I hope the draw in Cincinnati or at the US Open or even here in Toronto will make us play against each other because that’s another of my goals.”