At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has once again proven why she’s the future—and present—of tennis. Winning the Best Tennis Player ESPY Award for the second consecutive year, Gauff stood tall among the sport’s brightest stars. Her incredible 2024 season and global impact sealed her legacy as more than just a rising talent.

The ESPY Awards, known for celebrating the best in sports, honored Gauff during a star-studded evening in Los Angeles. Dressed in an elegant, custom-made gown, Coco received a standing ovation as she took the stage. “This means the world to me,” she said, her voice full of emotion.

In her acceptance speech, Gauff thanked her team, her fans, and her family—especially her parents who have been her biggest supporters since day one. “I play with heart, because they taught me to live with it,” she said. The audience erupted with applause, many visibly moved by her sincerity.

Gauff’s 2024 season was nothing short of phenomenal. She captured her second Grand Slam title at the French Open and reached the finals of Wimbledon. Her aggressive baseline play and unmatched resilience turned every match into a showcase of determination.

What sets Gauff apart isn’t just her skill—it’s her poise and leadership off the court. From speaking up about social justice to advocating for mental health, she’s using her platform for positive change. The ESPY voters clearly recognized not just a champion, but a role model.

This back-to-back ESPY win places Gauff in elite company. Only legends like Serena Williams and Roger Federer have achieved such a feat. But Coco’s humility reminds fans that her story is just beginning.

“It’s not just about the trophies,” Gauff told reporters backstage. “It’s about inspiring the next girl who picks up a racket and thinks she belongs.” That mission—bigger than tennis—is what makes her stand out in a crowded field of talent.

In 2024, Gauff also led Team USA to victory in the Billie Jean King Cup. Her leadership and fire fueled the team to a dramatic win over Spain in the final. That performance solidified her as both an individual star and a team player.

Coaches and analysts have praised her continued growth and maturity. “She’s reading the court like a veteran, but she’s still evolving every match,” one commentator said. Gauff’s adaptability has kept her ahead in a competitive era of women’s tennis.

Her mental toughness, especially in high-pressure moments, has been a cornerstone of her game. Whether saving match points or staging epic comebacks, Coco’s nerves of steel have dazzled fans worldwide. These traits undoubtedly influenced ESPY voters.

Social media erupted with celebration after her win was announced. Fellow athletes, celebrities, and fans shared congratulatory messages, calling her “the pride of American tennis.” Within minutes, “#CocoGauffESPY” was trending across platforms.

Even Serena Williams posted a heartfelt message: “Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. The torch is in good hands.” Coming from her childhood idol, it was a full-circle moment Coco said she’d “never forget.”

2025 is already shaping up to be another banner year for the young champion. She’s currently ranked No. 2 in the world and shows no signs of slowing down. With the U.S. Open on the horizon, all eyes are on her to defend her home turf.

Beyond tennis, Gauff has also made waves in the fashion world and business space. She recently launched her own athletic wear line focused on young women in sports. Her influence is rapidly growing beyond the court.

Her involvement in charitable causes has also expanded. This year, she partnered with several educational nonprofits to provide scholarships for underserved youth. Gauff’s vision clearly extends far beyond just winning titles.

With her ESPY win, Coco continues a legacy of greatness that defies her age. She’s not just the future of tennis—she’s its present. And if the past two years are any indicator, the best is still yet to come.

The ESPY statue may be small, but the message it carries is massive: excellence, consistency, and impact. For Coco Gauff, it’s not just another trophy—it’s a symbol of how far she’s come, and how high she’s destined to rise. Tennis has a new queen, and her reign is just getting started.