It looks like Coco Gauff has decided that breaking records at 20 is just a regular Tuesday activity. The tennis sensation recently made WTA Finals history, becoming the youngest winner since a certain Maria Sharapova did it back when flip phones were still a thing in 2004. Naturally, the world couldn’t keep calm, and that includes some big names in women’s basketball and beyond.
After her monumental victory, Gauff took to Instagram, as one does in 2024, posting photos that screamed “I’m a legend, but make it fashion.” And guess who slid into her comments? None other than LA Sparks star Cameron Brink, WNBA icon Lisa Leslie, and UConn phenom Paige Bueckers—all apparently in awe of the tennis star who seems to win Grand Slams like they’re weekend pickup games.
A Star-studded Comment Section
American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee kicked things off with a “THAT GIRLLLL,” because when you’re commenting on a historic win, subtlety is overrated. Not to be outdone, Hollywood actress Storm Reid declared Gauff her GOAT—because naturally, every 20-year-old has an Oscar-worthy actress fangirling over them.
Then came basketball’s finest. Paige Bueckers hit the comment section with a star emoji—because what’s better than using a single symbol to say, “You’re literally shining”? Cameron Brink threw out a resounding “BOOOM,” which is basically Brink’s way of saying, “I’m speechless, but this emoji will suffice.”
And then, the queen herself, Lisa Leslie, showed up like royalty always does, praising Gauff with a virtual standing ovation: “Amazing!!! Love watching you soar 👸🏾,” she wrote, officially making the tennis star WTA royalty. Steve Nash even popped in to drop clapping emojis—because when a two-time NBA MVP acknowledges your greatness, that’s when you know you’ve arrived.
Brink’s Venus Williams Fangirl Moment
But the Gauff love doesn’t stop there. While we’re talking about Brink, let’s not forget her own fangirl moment. Apparently, she’s been starstruck before, when she met tennis legend Venus Williams two years ago. You can almost picture it: Brink, towering over everyone (as she tends to do), suddenly reduced to fangirl status in front of Venus.
“I’ve looked up to her for so long,” Brink gushed, probably while trying not to faint. But what really got her? Venus’s kindness. The seven-time Grand Slam champ made Brink feel like the real MVP, taking the time to make her feel seen and empowered. Translation: Venus Williams doesn’t just serve up aces, she serves up life lessons too.
Last month, Brink and Williams teamed up for the “Give Her Credit” campaign. This feel-good initiative, launched on the 50th anniversary of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, aims to financially support 50 women. Because if you’re going to fangirl over someone, it might as well be someone who changes the game on and off the court.
In conclusion, Coco Gauff’s win has everyone losing their minds—and honestly, same. Whether you’re an NBA MVP or a WNBA star, it seems everyone agrees: when Coco wins, we all win. Now, if only we could bottle up that energy and sell it.
