What would 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff have played if not tennis? The answer is simple: basketball. The American star has often expressed her love for basketball, sharing how her father encouraged her to play it. While she ultimately followed her heart and chose tennis, Gauff has found a unique way to honor her love for basketball. Through a special gesture, the WTA star has not only showcased her appreciation for the sport but also her views on empowering female athletes.
Gauff has invested in Unrivaled, a new league of women’s basketball teams. Reflecting on her choice, this 2023 US Open champion said, “Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting.” However, that is not the only reason why she has invested in the league. “My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps and play basketball, Haha sorry dad but this is as close as it will get 🤣,” Gauff wrote on X. She has joined celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, and Mila Kunis, Olympian Michael Phelps, and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo in backing a league that empowers women basketball players.
Elaborating further on the reason behind investing in this 3*3 league, Gauff added, “I’m thrilled to be joining Unrivaled as an investor, Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting. I look forward to being part of this movement and continuing to help elevate women’s sports to new heights.”
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News of Gauff’s investment in an all-female basketball league was shared by NBC Sports’ wing On Her Turf’s IG platform. Sharing the American WTA star’s image, the page wrote, “Supporting women’s sports. 👏 Coco Gauff invests in UNRIVALED, the women’s 3×3 league started by Naphessa Collier and Breanna Stewart.” As soon as the post was made, Gauff herself shared it in her IG story.
via Imago BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 05: Coco Gauff of United States in action in the Women s Singles Semifinal match against Paula Badosa of Spain on day thirteen of 2024 China Open at National Tennis Center on October 5, 2024 in Beijing, China. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111522084050
Coco Gauff follows the WNBA and she is fond of Caitlin Clark, which she revealed after her 2024 Stuttgart Open’s first-round victory.
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Coco Gauff revealed her father thought she would do great in the WNBA
After overpowering Sachia Vickery in the 2024 Stuttgart Open’s first round, Gauff admitted that she also considered basketball before fully committing to tennis. Reflecting on her father’s thought, Gauff said, “Yeah, it’s funny because my dad was actually talking about that. He was, like, ‘You would have been right up there. You would have been a sophomore. I would have had you shooting Js and everything,’” the WTA star said.
Interestingly, Gauff also confessed about her wish to test her defensive skills against Caitlin Clark. “I don’t know if I would be that type of player, but I will say if I could go in another life I would love to play on the same time as Caitlin Clark just to see if I could guard her. Obviously now I definitely couldn’t, but I don’t know, if I trained for it, just to see,” she said.
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Coco Gauff might not play basketball professionally but her recent gesture shed light on her wish to empower female athletes. As a 20-year-old player, Gauff has built a career that is inspirational. Now, she is motivating her followers with her initiatives, taking part in the things that would change society’s perspectives on female athletes.
Investor Coco Gauff Beams With Pride as She Shares a Massive Milestone After Fulfilling Father’s Basketball Dream
