In the world of sports, few athletes go beyond the confines of the court to become icons of their time. Coco Gauff, at 21, is one of those rare cases. A champion, an activist, the voice of a new generation, but also a person who unites, inspires and opens paths – and not only in tennis.

From Wimbledon at 15, to the top of Roland Garros at 21

In 2019, at just 15 years old, Gauff shocked the tennis world by defeating Venus Williams. Since then, her rise has been steady. Today, she is ranked No. 2 in the world and recently won Roland Garros, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. It was the second Grand Slam title of her career, after the 2023 US Open. But for her, titles are just a means – not the end.

Coolness that inspires, ambition that guides

In a sport that tests athletes mentally, Goff stands out for her maturity and self-confidence. “Pressure is a privilege,” she has said. She is not afraid of defeats, seeing them as lessons learned and turning them into fuel for progress. Her talent is undeniable, but it is her mental strength that sets her apart.

A style of play, a mirror of her personality

Gauff is constantly evolving as a player: a powerful serve, an explosive forehand, a steady backhand and an excellent understanding of the game. Her tennis is intelligent, dynamic, strategic – and always oriented towards victory. But she never stops working: “I don’t care about the bravo. I care about why I didn’t do it sooner,” she had said characteristically.

When the voice of an athlete becomes the voice of a generation

Gauff’s influence is not limited to tennis. She has become a symbol of social awakening, speaking out for racial justice, equality and human rights. She has been an active participant in the Black Lives Matter movement, while not shying away from taking a stand on critical social issues. “If you choose silence, you choose the side of the oppressor,” she said at a protest in 2020. She was only 16 years old.

A role model on and off the court

As a young Black woman in an underrepresented sport, Goff knows the responsibility she carries. Her grandmother was the first Black student at her Delray Beach high school in 1961, a family legacy that guides her. Today, Goff is not only an athletic role model, but also a cultural influencer with endorsement deals worth more than $25 million a year.

The power of authenticity

Coco Gauff isn’t just fighting for titles – she’s fighting for a fairer future. She does it with her racket in her hand and with her words in public statements. It’s not just her competitive passion that makes her special, but also her dedication to progress and truth. TIME has called her “the face of the future” – and with good reason.

A future without limits

“It’s crazy to think that I won’t be a teenager anymore,” she said in a recent interview. Adulthood doesn’t scare her. She embraces it, just as she embraces the responsibility of her role. She wants to be more than just a champion – she wants to leave her mark. And by all appearances, she’s already succeeding.