USC star JuJu Watkins recently showed love for tennis standout Coco Gauff after the American star pulled off a dramatic comeback to secure her second major title at Roland-Garros. Gauff became the second American to win on that court since Serena Williams.
The 21-year-old defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, becoming the youngest American ever to win the French Open, breaking the record once held by Williams.
JuJu Watkins Shows Love for Coco Gauff After Historic Comeback Win
In a June 7 Instagram story, Watkins, who is currently rehabbing from an injury ahead of the 2026 season, congratulated Gauff right after her win at Roland-Garros.
Gauff came back after dropping the first set and held her own in a thrilling match between the two best players in the world. She outlasted Sabalenka, the top-ranked player, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 to win her first French Open title.
Just like Watkins, Gauff has set a high bar at a young age. She won her first major at 19, beating the then-No. 1 player in the world at the same tournament two years ago.
Gauff, who went to Florida State University, also got shoutouts from other big names after her win. The Miami Heat, Michelle Obama and her sponsor New Balance all celebrated her performance.
South Florida’s own!!!
LET’S GO @CocoGauff 🔥
(📸: @WTA) pic.twitter.com/WJQEMVx5f3— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) June 7, 2025
Gauff Endorsed Watkins’ ‘All-Time Performance’
Before Watkins congratulated Gauff, the two had already shown public support for each other. After Watkins balled out against UCLA, Gauff gave her a major shoutout.
After Watkins dropped 35 points against a Bruins team that was ranked No. 1 at the time, ESPN’s Alexa Philippou called it an “all-time performance for the ages.”
Gauff co-signed the hype, reposting the tweet to her Instagram story with a photo of Watkins celebrating USC’s win over UCLA.
The two rising stars aren’t just fans of each other. They’re also teammates off the court as investors in Unrivaled Basketball, a 3-on-3 women’s league.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Unrivaled as an investor. Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting. I look forward to being part of this movement and continuing to help elevate women’s sports to new heights,” Gauff said.
At just 19 and 21, Watkins and Gauff are pushing the limits of what’s possible in women’s sports. If their recent performances are any indication, both are just getting started.
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