8 times teenage tennis phenom Coco Gauff was wise beyond her years

Meredith CashSep 10, 2023, 03:22 IST

Coco Gauff.REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Tennis star Coco Gauff became famous at 15 when she beat the legendary Venus Williams at Wimbledon.
Since then, the American phenom has proven time and again that she's wise beyond her years.

NEW YORK — Coco Gauff is one of the best tennis players on the planet.

She's also just 19, though it's easy to forget from watching her play or hearing her speak.

The teenage phenom skyrocketed to fame when, at just 15, she upset the legendary Venus Williams in the opening round of Wimbledon. She's been in the spotlight ever since — finishing high school while competing in Grand Slams and earning millions of dollars for her efforts.

Now, just six months removed from entering her 20s, Gauff is competing in the second Grand Slam final of her career and proving time and again that she's ready for the prominence her talent affords. Here are eight times she's showcased her remarkable maturity as a teenager in the spotlight:

After beating Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019, Gauff thanked the 7-time Grand Slam champion 'for everything she's done for the sport.'

Coco Gauff (right) shakes hands with Venus Williams after their match at Wimbledon 2019.AP Photo/Tim Ireland

In May 2020, shortly after the death of George Floyd, a then-16-year-old Gauff offered the world a powerful message on police brutality.

Coco Gauff.AP Photo/Michel Euler

The following month, as Black Lives Matter protests swept the nation, the young star delivered an impassioned speech in her hometown.

Coco Gauff.AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

Gauff later used her growing platform to highlight gun violence issues in the United States.

Coco Gauff.AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias

After realizing she had been trying to win matches 'for other people,' Gauff switched her mindset and started to thrive on the court like never before.

Coco Gauff at the 2022 French Open.AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias

The young phenom offered a beautiful tribute to Serena Williams — who was set to retire after the 2022 US Open — before her final tournament commenced.

Coco Gauff (left) and Serena Williams.AP Photo/Josie Lepe; AP Photo/Aaron Doster

She was poised while discussing an environmental protest that interrupted her 2023 US Open semifinal.

Coco Gauff hits a backhand at the 2023 US Open.Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

En route to her first career US Open singles final, Gauff said she altered her perspective to reclaim her joy on the court.

Coco Gauff smiles during her second-round match at the 2023 US Open.REUTERS/Mike Segar

Meet Ben Shelton, the 20-year-old American electrifying the US Open with massive serves and tons of personality

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