BREAKING NEWS: Coco Gauff was officially honored by TIME in the list of 100 Most Influential People in the world of global sports

Coco Gauff, a 22-year-old American tennis star, has just received a great honor by being featured in the magazine TIME officially included in the list 100 Most Influential People in global sports. This is clear evidence of an impressive year of competition, historic milestones at major tournaments and her ever-expanding influence off the field, touching millions of hearts across continents.

After winning the 2023 US Open at the age of 19, Coco Gauff continued to improve and affirm her position as one of the world’s top tennis players. The year 2025 marks an important turning point when she wins Second Grand Slam in Roland Garros (French Open)– became the first American player to win the women’s singles title on clay in more than a decade. This victory is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of Gauff’s remarkable growth.

Coco Gauff’s brilliant journey in 2025

Gauff’s 2025 season really exploded on clay. She led the WTA with 18 wins on clay – the highest number in her career – and consecutively reached the WTA 1000 finals in Madrid and Rome before being crowned at Roland Garros. In the Paris final, Gauff came back to defeat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, recreating a dramatic scenario similar to the 2023 US Open final.

She became the first American player to win Roland Garros since 2015 (if counting both men and women).

In addition to the Grand Slam, Gauff also won the third WTA 1000 title of his career in Wuhan, and led Team USA to win the United Cup championship at the beginning of the year with an undefeated 5-0 record in singles. She also won another WTA 1000 doubles title in Montreal with teammate McCartney Kessler.

By the end of 2025, Gauff ranked No. 3 in the world, maintaining the top 3 position for three consecutive years – a youth record that no female tennis player has achieved since the beginning of the 21st century.

In 2026, despite some injury challenges (such as having to give up at Indian Wells), Gauff still showed stable performance. She reached the final of the Miami Open, becoming the youngest American player to achieve this achievement since Serena Williams in 2003. Solid performances helped her continue to hold the top 3 position and affirm her tenacity.

With impressive achievements, Gauff is not only an excellent athlete but also a symbol of resilience. She once shared that winning the Grand Slam was like “an addictive drug” – an unforgettable feeling of excitement that she wanted to pursue many more times.

The impact goes beyond the field

Being honored by TIME in the list of 100 most influential people in global sports is not only based on competition achievements. Coco Gauff’s influence has spread strongly to many fields:

Inspiring the Young Generation: As a girl of color from Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff became an inspiration to millions of children, especially girls and athletes of color. She often emphasizes the importance of pursuing your passion without fear of failure. Many tennis academies and community sports programs in the US have noted an increase in the number of female students after her victories.

Social activism and activism: Gauff is not afraid to speak out on social issues. She advocates for gender equality, fights racism and often participates in campaigns to raise awareness about mental health in sports. In interviews with TIME, she shares about her journey into adulthood, balancing her career and personal life, and emphasizes the role of activism in her journey.

Commercial power and style: Gauff is one of the highest paid female athletes in the world, with income mainly from advertising contracts (tens of millions of dollars per year). She is the ambassador of New Balance and many other big brands. In 2025, she was also honored as Style Influencer of the Year and entered the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Her fashion style and confidence off the court have inspired young people globally.

Global Fanbase: From the US to Europe, Asia and Africa, Gauff’s fan base has increased rapidly. Her matches often attract record audiences on streaming platforms. She has the ability to connect with the audience through social networks, where she shares not only competition moments but also sincere thoughts about life, pressure and future goals. Comparisons with legends and legacies under construction

Being recognized by TIME puts Gauff in the ranks of the most influential sports stars on the planet, alongside names like Serena Williams (also honored by TIME). Serena – who Gauff once cited as an inspiration – expressed strong support for the young woman’s rise to prominence. Now, Gauff is continuing the legacy of “Queen Serena” by combining her competitive talent with her social voice and commercial appeal.

At the age of 22, Gauff has two singles Grand Slams, many WTA 1000 titles and a stable position in the top 3. She is aiming to conquer Wimbledon – a tournament where she has impressed since the age of 15 but has not yet had the highest results – and continues to dominate hard courts and clay.

Bright future and lessons from Coco’s journey

Coco Gauff often says that she doesn’t care too much about the title “face of tennis” or flashiness, but only focuses on winning more Grand Slam titles. However, it is that humility and authenticity that makes her special and deeply influential.

In a women’s tennis landscape that is witnessing fierce competition from stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek or emerging young talents, Gauff stands out thanks to her mental resilience and outstanding maturity. She once admitted that she had learned to accept pressure, transforming it into motivation instead of letting it hold her back.

The honor from TIME is not only a reward for an outstanding year of competition, but also a recognition of the long journey of an athlete who is reshaping the image of modern tennis: combining athletic talent, social consciousness and cultural appeal.

To fans around the world, Coco Gauff is more than just a tennis player – she is a symbol of hope, of perseverance and of the ability to change the world around her through passion. As she continues to conquer new heights, her influence will surely spread even further, inspiring future generations of athletes and providing memorable moments on the field and off.

Coco Gauff is continuing to write her story – and the sports world is following her every step with great admiration.