Coco Gauff and Stan Wawrinka are celebrating March milestone birthdays. Though it feels like Gauff has been around the WTA Tour for a long time, the 2023 US Open champion turned 21 on March 13.
On the other hand, Wawrinka is part of the previous generation of greats who managed to win three Grand Slams competing in the era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in their prime. He turns 40 on March 28.
Here is a look at each tennis champion in the midst of a milestone birthday month.
Coco Gauff is only getting started
Gauff's birthday celebration was probably off to a rough start after losing in the fourth round at the BNP Paribas Open against Belinda Bencic on March 12. She has always maintained a great attitude and honest perspective, knowing that losing is a big part of competitive tennis. Gauff likely already has her focus fixed on the upcoming Miami Open.
She has embraced her ability to transcend the tennis court, much like the Williams sisters did before her. Gauff recently attended the Academy Awards and may eventually dabble in acting. For now, she is firmly entrenched with New Balance. On her birthday, New Balance released an inspiring ad with her Coco Delray signature sneaker, narrated by her grandmother.
Every place has a story to tell.
— New Balance (@newbalance) March 12, 2025
Introducing the Coco Delray, from the court that Coco calls home.
Available March 13th, 2025. #newbalance #cocogauff pic.twitter.com/S58RFQrVF0
Gauff has accomplished so much already. She won nine singles titles, nine doubles titles, and the 2024 WTA Finals. Among her 18 titles are the 2023 US Open and the 2024 French Open women's doubles title with Katerina Siniakova.
Stan Wawrinka is a Hall of Famer
Longevity and a desire to compete have kept Stan Wawrinka in the game. He turned professional 23 years ago and has amassed 578 career ATP wins. Wawrinka's trademark one-handed backhand is still a stroke of beauty all these years later.
Stan Wawrinka blasts a backhand down the line against Daniil Medvedev in Rotterdam.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 3, 2025
Still one of the most beautiful one-handed-backhands to ever grace a tennis court.
👌
pic.twitter.com/IImw0B8BUZ
His three Grand Slams are legendary because of whom he defeated in those finals: Rafael Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final and Novak Djokovic in the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open finals. Wawrinka also took the court with his famous Swiss compatriot, Roger Federer, in the 2008 Olympics and, not surprisingly, won the gold medal.
Despite falling out of the Top 100, Stan Wawrinka is still active on the ATP Tour. He has experienced a rough start to the 2025 season with a 0-4 record in main draws this year. Late last year, Wawrinka shared that he had no intention to retire so fans hope to see him in upcoming tournaments. He received a wildcard for the 2025 Tiriac Open at the end of March.