Coco Gauff on Rafael Nadal: “There’s Just Something About His Aura and Intensity”
August 5, 2025 — New York, NY
Tennis star and reigning U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff has never shied away from acknowledging her inspirations in the sport. While the 20-year-old phenom has carved out her own place among the world’s elite, she remains refreshingly grounded in her admiration for those who came before her — especially one legendary Spaniard. Speaking to reporters ahead of the North American hardcourt swing, Gauff once again highlighted Rafael Nadal as her greatest influence, praising not just his achievements, but the unique “aura” and “intensity” that define his presence on and off the court.
“No disrespect to other players,” Gauff said, “but it’s something about Rafa — his aura, the intensity in which he does everything. I look up to him.”
The comment, though short, was powerful. For Gauff — a Grand Slam champion, Olympic medalist, and currently ranked World No. 2 — to single out Nadal in such terms says everything about the enduring legacy of the 22-time Grand Slam winner, and how his example continues to shape even the brightest stars of the next generation.
A Shared Tenacity and Fighting Spirit
Though their games differ stylistically — Gauff is known for her speed, court coverage, and ever-improving serve, while Nadal built a career on relentless topspin, physical dominance, and strategic grit — the emotional intensity both bring to the court creates a natural comparison. Like Nadal, Gauff wears her heart on her sleeve, rallying herself and the crowd with fist-pumps, shouts of “Come on!”, and fierce focus in high-pressure moments.
Their shared ability to elevate under pressure has already become a hallmark of Gauff’s career. Her run to the 2023 U.S. Open title was a testament to her resilience. She fought through grueling matches, including come-from-behind victories, just as Nadal had done so many times before on the world’s biggest stages.
“It’s not just about winning,” Gauff said during her media session. “It’s how Rafa wins. Every point, he plays like it’s match point. That’s something I’ve really tried to bring into my own mentality.”
Early Exposure to Nadal’s Greatness
Gauff has long spoken about being inspired by tennis legends growing up. As a child, she idolized Serena Williams, but it was Nadal who captivated her with his discipline and work ethic. She was only nine years old when Nadal won his ninth French Open title in 2014, and even at that young age, his unmatched consistency and humility left an impression.
“I remember watching Rafa when I was really young and being amazed by how intense he was from the first point to the last,” she said. “Even if he was winning easily, he never let up.”
That early admiration turned into a deeper appreciation once she joined the professional circuit and began to understand the mental and physical demands of life at the top.
“Now that I’ve been on tour a few years, I appreciate even more what Rafa’s done. It’s so hard to stay at that level year after year. He makes it look easy, but it’s not.”
A Role Model Beyond the Court
Beyond Nadal’s accolades — which include 22 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a record 14 Roland Garros crowns — Gauff admires his character. She’s repeatedly pointed to his humility, sportsmanship, and commitment to fairness as traits she hopes to emulate throughout her own journey.
“He’s always respectful, win or lose. You never see him make excuses,” Gauff said. “That’s something I’ve taken to heart — to be fierce in competition but humble in victory and gracious in defeat.”
As a prominent voice among the new generation of tennis stars, Gauff has also taken her platform seriously, speaking on issues from racial injustice to mental health. Nadal, while often quiet off-court, has likewise been praised for his class and integrity throughout his career — traits that further explain Gauff’s admiration.
Nadal’s Legacy Lives On Through the Next Generation
While Rafael Nadal has scaled back his playing schedule due to injury and age — with 2025 potentially being his final season on tour — his legacy clearly continues to resonate. Young stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, and Jannik Sinner have often cited Nadal’s influence on their own careers. Gauff’s praise adds to the chorus of admiration that spans both the men’s and women’s tours.
And perhaps more notably, her words echo a broader truth in tennis: greatness isn’t just measured in titles, but in the ability to inspire, uplift, and set an example.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever win as many Slams as him,” Gauff said. “But I hope I can carry myself with the same kind of purpose, work ethic, and passion that he’s shown.”
Eyes on the U.S. Open and Beyond
As Gauff gears up to defend her U.S. Open title later this month, Nadal’s lessons seem more present than ever in her preparation. She’s been training with increased intensity, working on refining her net game and second serve — areas she’s openly discussed improving.
Whether she’s aware of it or not, the way she speaks, trains, and competes is increasingly reflective of the man she calls her role model. And if her trajectory continues, she may very well become for future generations what Nadal has been for hers: a symbol of excellence, passion, and perseverance.
For now, though, Gauff is content to keep learning — and to keep channeling the aura of a tennis icon she holds in the highest regard.
“There’s only one Rafa,” she smiled. “But he’s inspired a lot of us to be better — not just better players, but better people.”
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