Coco Gauff, the World No. 3 and reigning US Open champion, is opening up about her long-term vision for tennis—and life beyond the court. Despite a rocky 2025 season without a WTA title, the 21-year-old phenom remains laser-focused on legacy over short-term glory. With two Grand Slam finals and one trophy already under her belt, Gauff’s career is a masterclass in precocious success.
Now, she’s sharing her blueprint for longevity in the sport and the one non-negotiable that will dictate when she walks away.
Coco Gauff’s Blueprint
Gauff isn’t just playing tennis—she’s crafting a legacy. At 21, she’s already a Grand Slam champion, a WTA Finals winner, and a former World No. 2. But as she navigates a slump in 2025, her gaze is fixed on the horizon. In a candid interview with Roland Garros, Gauff dropped a revealing truth bomb about her priorities:
“The most important thing is not to be physically burnt out. When it’s time to retire, I want it to be on my terms and not due to an injury or anything like that.”
For Coco Gauff, the grind of the WTA tour isn’t just about trophies; it’s about sustainability. “It’s about protecting my love for the sport and hoping that it reciprocates that love,” she added, emphasizing her desire to avoid the burnout that has derailed countless careers.
Her approach is striking in its maturity. While peers chase rankings or rivalries, Gauff’s North Star is longevity.
“I’ve been lucky with injuries so far,” she acknowledged, crediting her fitness and cautious scheduling. But as she eyes more Grand Slam titles, she’s wary of the tour’s relentless demands. “As I get older, I might cut back [on tournaments] to stay fresh,” she hinted, signaling a shift toward quality over quantity.
Coco Gauff’s perspective is shaped by her unique journey. Bursting onto the scene at 15 with a Wimbledon upset over Venus Williams, she’s spent half her life in the spotlight. Now, she’s balancing the hunger for more majors with the wisdom to pace herself.
“My dad always said, ‘the ranking will come with the Slams,’” she shared, dismissing the allure of temporary accolades.
Her retirement vision is equally deliberate. Unlike stars forced out by injuries, Gauff vows to exit on her own timeline.
“I want to look back and know I left everything on the court—but also left because I chose to,” she explained.
For fans, Gauff’s clarity is refreshing. In an era where athletes often push past breaking points, her commitment to self-preservation sets a new standard. Whether she’s hoisting trophies or recalibrating her schedule, one thing’s clear: Coco Gauff is playing the long game.