The 3 players that are next in line to dominate the tennis world

Coco Gauff (USA)

The hype around the 16-year-old phenom is next to none. Coco Gauff began her memorable run during the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, defeating Venus Williams on her way to an appearance in the Round of 16 before losing in a slugfest to eventual champion Simona Halep. Gauff followed up her spectacular run with arguably the best showing of her career during the 2020 Australian Open. She defeated Venus Williams, Sonia Cirstea, and 3rd-ranked Naomi Osaka, all in straight sets, before losing to eventual champion Sofia Kenin in a hard-fought 3-setter.

What makes Gauff stand out above the rest is her overwhelming maturity on the court. She has shown the ability to come back from a set down or save multiple match points en route to a victory. Gauff’s mental stamina on the court is incredible given her age and rivals that of some of the top players in the WTA.

The best match of her career by far came in 2019 at Wimbledon. Still 15 years old at the time, she was down a set and 5-2 against Polona Hercog, serving at 30-40 to stay in the match. Gauff pulled a beautiful slice down the line to save match point, then came back and won the second set 7-6. She followed that up with a 7-5 third set, giving her the match and introducing herself to the world in the process.

Gauff’s off-court prowess also helps her case, as well. She’s coined as one of the US’ next great athletes and has had the opportunity to take part in charity events and matches alongside Federer, Nadal, and Serena (among others). Gauff is already on her way to becoming the next face of tennis, and time will tell when she reaches that mountaintop. However, it seems very likely that it’ll come sooner than later.