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America’s World No. 3 Coco Gauff is rewriting her definition of success. Fresh off a commanding run at the Miami Open—where she dismantled Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Round of 16—the 20-year-old phenom is finally silencing doubts after a rocky start to 2024. Early exits at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, Dubai Championships, and Indian Wells had critics questioning her trajectory, but Gauff’s Miami resurgence signals a turning point.
Yet, amid her climb back to form, she’s made one thing clear: the World No. 1 ranking isn’t her North Star.
Why Coco Gauff’s eyes are not on the rankings
For Gauff, greatness isn’t measured by a number beside her name. In a candid post-match press conference, the reigning US Open champion was asked to choose between adding another major title or ascending to the sport’s summit. Her answer? Unflinching.
“Another major,” she declared. “I’ve always said… people remember you more off majors than world number one ranking.”
It’s a bold stance in an era obsessed with rankings, but Coco Gauff’s logic is rooted in legacy. With one Grand Slam already under her belt, she’s hungry to cement her place among tennis’ elite.
“Only having one, I would like to have another one just to cement myself even more,” she admitted, acknowledging that her perspective might shift if she had multiple majors.
For now, though, the Miami Open has reignited her belief that trophies—not rankings—define immortality.
Miami momentum: A season reboot
Gauff’s Miami campaign is a microcosm of her resilience. After a string of disappointments, her dominant straight-sets wins over Sofia Kenin (6-0, 6-0) and Sakkari showcased the lethal precision that made her a teen sensation. Next up: Poland’s Magda Linette, a gritty opponent who’s battled through three rounds herself. A deep run here wouldn’t just bolster Coco Gauff’s confidence—it could recalibrate her season.
But beyond the baseline rallies and drop shots lies a deeper narrative. Gauff’s renewed focus on majors reflects a maturity beyond her years. While peers chase ranking points, she’s honing her game for the sport’s biggest stages: Wimbledon’s grass, Roland Garros’ clay, and Flushing Meadows’ hardcourt.
“If you could have both [majors and No. 1], that’s great,” she conceded. Yet, her priorities are unmistakable.
Legacy over leaderboards
Gauff’s philosophy challenges tennis’ conventional wisdom. In a sport where rankings dictate seeding, sponsorships, and prestige, her emphasis on Grand Slams is both refreshing and strategic. History remembers Serena Williams for 23 majors—not her 319 weeks at No. 1. By aligning her goals with that precedent, Coco Gauff isn’t just chasing wins; she’s crafting a narrative.
As the Miami Open heats up, all eyes are on whether she can convert this momentum into a title. But win or lose, Gauff’s message is clear: She’s playing for history, not hashtags.
