There’s not many better to seek advice from than Venus Williams.
The legendary tennis icon was one of the finest players of her generation, and despite not being retired yet, she’s already ruled out one post-career gig.
Venus Williams and Coco Gauff enjoy a good relationship off the courtGETTYWilliams is a huge fan of Coco Gauff, who stormed to the third round of the French Open on Thursday.
However, as Gauff looks to go a step further than her 2022 campaign in Paris, where she lost in the final to Iga Swiatek, she won’t be getting any help from Williams.
Speaking to TNT Sports as an analyst for the French Open, Williams explained how she can’t help Gauff or her fellow American, the 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
“You know what? I was always playing against them,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion explained
“So, I never really got the chance to give them much advice. They were playing so well.
“I lost to both of them. So, it’s not easy to be in that position where you mentor and you’re playing against someone, but these girls know what they’re doing.”
Despite the 23-year age gap between Gauff and Williams, the pair’s professional careers did overlap as they played each other twice on tour.
The most memorable clash between the two tennis stars was at Wimbledon back in 2019.
Gauff, aged 15 at the time, pulled off a stunning upset to beat Williams 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of Wimbledon, in what was her Grand Slam debut.
“My goal was to play my best. My dream was to win. That’s what happened,” an emotional Gauff said at the time.
Gauff enjoys a 2-0 record against Venus WilliamsGETTY Gauff is currently enjoying a strong French Open campaignGettyFast forward to 2025, Williams hasn’t played on tour for over a year, while Gauff won her maiden major at the US Open in 2023.
And her development has been one that Williams explained she is so happy to see.
“I love her passion,” she added.
“I think sometimes she is too hard on herself. I think she has just got to let go and allow herself to do what she can do.”
“She has such big expectations of herself, so I would love to see her win here. She has come close.
“I came close, too. Coming close is not the goal, though, I know she wants to win.”
Gauff and Williams reunited after the 21-year-old’s third-round win on Thursday as the pair sat down for an interview on TNT.
“You and Serena are the reason I started this sport, and being here is surreal. I didn’t know you were going to be at the desk. I’m really happy to be here,” Gauff told Williams.
“I’m having a little moment here, so I’m trying to get the words out … I never thought when I picked up a racquet that I would be here, sitting with out, having this conversation.”
Williams replied with her own set of compliments for Gauff, as well as Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, who was present.
“I’m so glad you’re here, because of you and Sloane, there are so many young girls who are picking up racquets, and that’s so important,” she remarked.
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