PARIS — Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis prodigy, has reached her first French Open final, marking another milestone in her rapidly ascending career. But long before her breakthrough at Roland Garros, Gauff had an unexpected role: serving as a stunt double for Serena Williams in a commercial.
The revelation came to light during Gauff’s press conference after her semifinal victory over Iga Świątek’s conqueror, Jasmine Paolini. "Yeah, I was Serena’s stunt double when I was like 9 or 10," Gauff said with a laugh. "It was for some ad, and I had to wear a wig and everything. It’s crazy how life comes full circle."
From Stunt Double to Grand Slam Finalist
Gauff’s journey from a young girl mimicking Serena Williams to standing on the cusp of her own Grand Slam glory is a testament to her dedication and talent. The Florida native, who turned pro at 14, has long been touted as the heir apparent to Williams’ throne. Now, she’s proving it on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
Her path to the final hasn’t been easy. Gauff dropped just one set en route to the championship match, showcasing her improved mental resilience and tactical maturity. "I’ve worked so hard for this moment," she said. "It’s surreal to think I’m here, but I’m ready to fight for it."
The Serena Influence
Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, has been a lifelong inspiration for Gauff. The young star has often spoken about how Williams’ dominance and perseverance shaped her ambitions. "Serena showed me what’s possible," Gauff reflected. "She broke barriers, and I want to keep pushing them further."
Williams herself has praised Gauff’s potential, calling her "a star in the making" after Gauff’s breakthrough Wimbledon run in 2019. Now, five years later, Gauff is living up to that prophecy.
Key Moments in Gauff’s French Open Run
- First Round: Defeated Julia Avdeeva in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1.
- Third Round: Overcame a tough challenge from Elisabetta Cocciaretto, winning 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3.
- Quarterfinals: Dominated Ons Jabeur, 6-2, 6-4, showcasing her improved clay-court game.
- Semifinals: Outlasted Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling 6-2, 6-4 victory.
The Final Challenge
Gauff will face either world No. 1 Iga Świątek or unseeded surprise package Mirra Andreeva in the final. Świątek, a three-time French Open champion, would be a formidable opponent, but Gauff has beaten her before—most notably in the 2023 Cincinnati semifinals.
If Andreeva pulls off the upset, it would set up a clash of two of the sport’s brightest young stars. "Whoever it is, I’ll be ready," Gauff said. "I’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to leave it all out there."
A Star on the Rise
Gauff’s rise has been meteoric. Since her Wimbledon debut as a 15-year-old qualifier, she has:
- Won six WTA titles, including the 2023 US Open.
- Reached a career-high ranking of No. 3.
- Become a vocal advocate for social justice, using her platform to inspire change.
Her coach, Brad Gilbert, attributes her success to her relentless work ethic. "Coco’s got that champion’s mindset," he said. "She’s always looking to improve, and that’s what separates her."
Conclusion: A Full-Circle Moment
From pretending to be Serena Williams in a commercial to competing for her own Grand Slam title, Coco Gauff’s journey is a story of dreams realized through hard work and belief. "This is just the beginning," she said with a smile. "I’m not done yet."
The French Open final will be played on Saturday, June 8, at Roland Garros. Whether she wins or loses, one thing is certain: Coco Gauff is no longer just a stunt double—she’s a star in her own right.