February 24, 2025 – Tennis star Coco Gauff has always made it clear that she draws inspiration from the legendary Williams sisters, and now she’s taken her admiration a step further. The 19-year-old U.S. Open champion recently debuted a striking new hairstyle that pays homage to Venus and Serena Williams, two of the most influential figures in women’s tennis history.
Gauff, who has often spoken about the impact of the Williams sisters on her career, unveiled her bold new look on social media ahead of her latest tournament appearance. The hairstyle, featuring intricate braids and beads, is reminiscent of the iconic style both Venus and Serena sported in their early years on the professional tour. The move has been widely praised as a powerful tribute to the sisters who paved the way for the next generation of Black athletes in tennis.
Gauff’s transformation comes at a time when she continues to cement her place as one of the top players in the world. Her decision to embrace a look that closely mirrors the styles Venus and Serena wore during their rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s has sparked conversations across the sports world.
“This is for Venus and Serena—thank you for everything,” Gauff captioned a post on Instagram, which included several photos of her new hairstyle. The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fellow players applauding her for honoring her tennis idols.
The Williams sisters were known for wearing beaded braids when they first burst onto the scene as teenagers, defying traditional tennis norms and making a bold cultural statement. At the time, their hairstyle was a symbol of pride, heritage, and resilience. Now, Gauff’s decision to bring back a similar look serves as a full-circle moment in the sport.
Venus and Serena Williams didn’t just dominate tennis with their powerful playing styles—they also challenged conventions with their fashion and hairstyles. Their beaded braids became one of the most recognizable and talked-about styles in sports history.
One of the most famous moments tied to this look came in the 1999 U.S. Open, when a then-17-year-old Serena Williams won her first Grand Slam title, defeating Martina Hingis in the final. Her white and gold beaded braids became a lasting image of that historic win.
Venus, too, made her mark with the style. In 1997, when she made her U.S. Open debut at just 17 years old, she electrified the crowd with her beads bouncing with every step. However, the hairstyle also came with challenges. During the 2000 Australian Open, Venus was forced to redo her braids mid-match after they started falling out on the court.
By bringing back this signature style, Gauff is not only making a fashion statement but also reinforcing her deep appreciation for those who broke barriers before her.
Gauff’s career has followed a trajectory that mirrors the early days of the Williams sisters. She burst onto the scene at just 15 years old, stunning the tennis world with a victory over Venus Williams at Wimbledon 2019. Since then, she has repeatedly acknowledged how much Venus and Serena inspired her to pick up a racket in the first place.
Last year, Gauff secured her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 U.S. Open, becoming the youngest American woman to win the tournament since Serena in 1999. After her victory, she thanked the Williams sisters in her speech, saying, “They’re the reason I have this trophy today.”
Off the court, Gauff has continued to speak out on issues of race, equality, and representation—values that Venus and Serena have long championed. The Williams sisters faced racial bias, criticism, and pushback throughout their careers, yet they opened doors for future generations, including Gauff.
Gauff’s new hairstyle has been met with overwhelming positivity. Tennis fans took to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to share their excitement, with many praising the young star for embracing her roots while carrying the legacy of the Williams sisters forward.
One fan tweeted:
“Seeing Coco Gauff rock the beaded braids is EVERYTHING. Venus and Serena would be so proud. This is history repeating in the best way!”
Another wrote:
“Coco honoring Venus and Serena with this hairstyle is giving me chills. The new generation is keeping the legacy alive!”
Some also pointed out the cultural significance of Gauff’s decision. Braided hairstyles with beads have deep roots in African and African-American traditions, symbolizing strength, beauty, and cultural pride.
As she heads into the next stretch of the tennis season, Gauff continues to prove that she is not just a rising star—she is a player already making her mark on history. Ranked among the top players in the world, she is a strong contender for more Grand Slam titles in 2025.
With her powerful game, fearless mentality, and now a nod to the past through her latest hairstyle, Gauff is reminding everyone that the future of tennis remains in good hands.
As she steps onto the court with beads bouncing just like Venus and Serena decades ago, one thing is clear—Coco Gauff is not only writing her own story but also making sure the legacy of the Williams sisters continues to shine.
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