Coco Gauff is leading the new generation of influential women in sports, building on a legacy of excellence and empowerment headlined by icons like Serena Williams.
Recently named to Forbes‘ “America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports 2025” list – alongside Williams, Billie Jean King, and Portia Archer – her ascent signals a shift in how athletic achievement and cultural impact are valued.
At only 21 years old, Gauff‘s trajectory has already covered enormous ground. She captured the 2025 French Open title, becoming the first American woman in a decade to do so and is currently ranked No.3 in the WTA rankings.
Her athleticism and poise on court mark her as a talent to follow – but it is what she does off the court that positions her as a generational force.
In the Forbes profile, Gauff‘s inclusion on the most powerful list wasn’t based solely on ranking or prize money. It was her ability to shape narrative, influence culture, and serve as a role model for young women.
Williams, herself a driving force for social change in tennis, paved the way: despite retiring in 2022, she remains ranked No. 11 on the list thanks to her work in venture capital and social investment.
Coco Gauff’s distinct path and impact
What sets Gauff apart is how she integrates high performance with authenticity. During her dominant run in 2024 and 2025, she won multiple titles, including the WTA Finals, and became the highest-paid female athlete despite being in the early stages of her career.
That combination of elite results and commercial interest underscores her expanded influence: she is not just succeeding, she is shaping a brand and a movement.
The “America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports” list assesses influence by money, media presence, and impact across multiple spheres. For Gauff, that impact includes a growing global presence, endorsement deals, and her willingness to address issues beyond tennis.
By entering that list alongside Williams – who defined her generation – Gauff becomes the face of the next wave.
Fans, media, and industry observers now view her as the standard-bearer who can carry women’s sports into the mainstream cultural conversation in a way that goes beyond athletic achievement.
Driving women’s sports forward
Gauff‘s visibility benefits more than just her personal brand. Her success draws more attention to the women’s game, increases viewership, and opens opportunities for other athletes.
Williams‘ pioneering role in elevating women’s tennis is now mirrored by Gauff‘s ability to leverage performance, personality, and purpose. Via sponsorships, media engagements, and social activism, Gauff is helping to shift the paradigm of what a female athlete in 2025 can mean.
Her commercial and media value illustrates the broader economics of women’s sport. As more female athletes gain crossover appeal, the sponsorship, broadcast, and engagement opportunities expand correspondingly – reshaping how sports organizations and brands approach talent and legacy.
While her star continues to rise on court, Gauff‘s long-term potential rests in how she uses her platform. Will she seize leadership roles in governance, social advocacy, or global initiatives?
If so, her listing on Forbes signals that her influence is already measured in far more than match results. With her trajectory firmly aligned with the top echelons of sport, Coco Gauff isn’t just leading the new generation – she’s redefining what influence in sports looks like.
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