Can the Tennis Prodigy Become a Tennis Legend?

The rise of Coco Gauff.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story August 26, 2022 Photograph of Coco Gauff by Arielle Bobb-Willis. Photo illustration by The New York Times. Coco Gauff has been proclaimed the heir to the Williams sisters ever since she defeated Venus at Wimbledon, a comparison that she resisted, even as she acknowledged the honor. She ranks at a career-high No. 11 in singles; in doubles, as of this month, she is the No. 1 player in the world. Gauff has the benefit of millions of dollars in endorsements and prize money and a signature sneaker from New Balance — but as she heads to the U.S. Open, which starts on Aug. 29, she is still only 18, a precarious age when many young people toggle between a sense of invincibility and utter insecurity. The weight of what she carries would be a lot for anyone, but maybe especially for a young woman like Gauff; she knows from personal experience that so many girls are watching her. Many are looking to Gauff — a young player who offers the excitement of potential along with exceptional athleticism and an ease with the public — to be the new face of American tennis, to be an inspiring figure even for young people who never pick up a racket. But before Coco Gauff can fully realize her own dreams or anyone else's, Gauff has to do one thing she has not yet accomplished at the highest level: She has to win. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Arielle Bobb-Willis for The New York Times Can Coco Gauff the Tennis Prodigy Become a Tennis Legend? Since Coco Gauff went pro at 14, she has played under the weight of high expectations. Now 18, she has her own measures for greatness. By Susan Dominus Subscribe Today We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times with this special offer. MORE FROM THE MAGAZINE Stefan Ruiz for The New York Times Cecilia Vicuña's Desire Lines After decades on the margins, the 74-year-old Chilean sculptor and poet has improbably become one of this year's most acclaimed. By Carina del Valle Schorske Photo illustration by Cristiana Couceiro How a Corporate Law Firm Led a Political Revolution The untold story of Jones Day's push to move the American government and courts to the right. By David Enrich Stay in touch: Follow us on Twitter (@NYTmag) or check us out on Instagram. Appreciated this email? Forward it to a friend and help us grow. Loved a story? Hated it? Write us a letter at magazine@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up here to get the magazine newsletter. Listen to narrated versions of our articles every week. Download Audm for iPhone or Android. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The New York Times Magazine from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018