Coco Gauff: "I'm someone who wears braids a lot, and seeing Venus Williams was able to do that 30 years ago was important"

Coco Gauff has spoken up on how Venus Williams' influence rubbed off on her in terms of wearing braids. Williams famously wore braids during her early years on the WTA tour. While this choice did stir some controversy, it was also pathbreaking in a way, as it was the first-of-its-kind look in tennis.

Venus Williams' beaded braids became associated with her vibrant on-court personality, and were initially popular with fans. However, controversy struck at the 1999 Australian Open, where Williams' quarterfinal loss was marred by her beads coming undone, which led to the chair umpire giving her a point penalty at a crucial juncture of the match.

World No. 3 and 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff, who idolized Venus Williams growing up, was recently asked by The National about how the legendary former World No. 1 inspired her to wear braids.

Gauff said:

"Obviously I'm someone who wears braids a lot, and seeing that she (Venus Williams) was able to do that 30 years ago, maybe where the space wasn't as receptive of this type of hair, is important."

Gauff also expressed her desire to emulate not only Williams' achievements in tennis, but also the work she has undertaken for overall social upliftment.

"Just her legacy, I hope to do half of what she's done for, not only just tennis, but prize money equality, women's equality, racial equality, all of that. She's someone that I look up to a lot when it comes to that," Coco Gauff added.

Interestingly, it was Williams who Gauff got the better of to put herself in the global tennis spotlight five years ago.

Coco Gauff stunned Venus Williams at Wimbledon 2019

Venus Williams (L) and Coco Gauff (R) after their first-round match at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships (Source: Getty)

A 15-year-old Coco Gauff triggered shockwaves at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships when she ousted former World No. 1 and seven-time Major champion Venus Williams in the first round with a 6-4, 6-4 win.

While it was widely acknowledged at the time that Williams was well past her prime, Gauff was lauded for her maturity, especially considering that it was her first match in the main draw of a Grand Slam. Gauff turned tearful following the win, and during the pair's handshake at the net, told Williams:

"Thank you for everything you’ve done. I wouldn’t be here without you."

More than five years on from that emotional moment, Gauff finds herself vying for 2024 WTA Finals glory right now. Having got the better of compatriot Jessica Pegula in her first match, the 20-year-old American is now set for a more daunting challenge on paper against World No. 2 and five-time Major champion Iga Swiatek.