Venus Williams and Coco Gauff enjoy a good relationship off the courtCredit: GETTY

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 WilliamsCredit: GETTY

Gauff is currently enjoying a strong French Open campaignCredit: Getty

Fast 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.”

Coco Gauff cheekily blames coach for awkward racket blunder before making US tennis history at French Open

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.