Coco Gauff Reflects on Serena Williams Going From a Poster on Her Wall to Her ‘Friend and Mentor’

While tennis is an individual sport, you relish the relationships with your teammates,” Gauff wrote. “You’ve been lucky enough that your on-court relationships have turned into off-court friendships. One of those notable friendships is with your idol, Serena Williams. Serena was once just a stranger printed on a poster hanging in your room, and now you still can’t believe she’s a friend and mentor.”She added, “Her profound impact on tennis, what it means to be a champion and to break barriers is a legacy you hope to uphold and carry with you into your first Olympic Games.”