‘I Should Have Other Priorities’ – Coco Gauff Makes Feelings Known on Venus and Serena Williams’ Longevity

Coco Gauff has never been shy about expressing her admiration for Venus and Serena Williams, often crediting the two as her idols. With Serena recently returning to the professional circuit and Venus continuing to compete, Gauff has shared her thoughts on their longevity while reflecting on her own future in the sport.

Coco Gauff Reflects on Venus Williams and Serena Williams Competing in Their 40s

Following her run to the semifinals at Wimbledon, Gauff is set to kick off her North American hardcourt swing at the Canadian Open. Venus Williams joined the world No. 4 in Toronto, while Serena has yet to reveal where she will play next after sustaining a knee injury at the grass-court Major.

During her pre-tournament press conference, Gauff spoke about how “insane” it was that younger generations still had the opportunity to watch the Williams sisters compete.

“I think it’s really, like, cool and great to watch. I grew up watching the Williams sisters, and the fact that there’s like maybe even two generations after me still being able to have that same experience is really insane,” Gauff said.

The 22-year-old admitted that she still feels nervous in their presence due to the aura they carry, recalling her experience with Serena at the Berlin Tennis Open and her jitters while approaching Venus in Toronto.

“Just the aura they have, like I still get nervous every time I see them. I remember I was in Berlin and just waiting for the right time to say hi to Serena. Even yesterday, Venus was in the locker room and I had to give myself a deep breath before I said hi (laughing),” she added.

Gauff also marveled at the Williams sisters’ remarkable longevity, given that Venus is still competing at 46, while Serena returned to the tour at 44.

“It’s just the aura they bring to the sport, and also the longevity,” she said. “I think it’s really incredible for any athlete in any profession, maybe except golf because it’s a little bit less compact, but just to have, be so great at a sport for so long.”

Despite her admiration for the two, Gauff revealed that she didn’t envision herself playing into her 40s, saying she would likely want to focus on other priorities by then. Nevertheless, she emphasized that Venus and Serena Williams continue to inspire people to pursue their dreams regardless of age and outside criticism.

“I mean, I don’t think I’ll be playing in my 40s, just, yeah, well, they said the same thing when they were my age, so we’ll see, but I hope not (laughing). I think I should have other priorities maybe, but who knows. I think they definitely give inspiration for everybody to chase their dreams and no matter their age or where they are in career and what other people, naysayers may have to say,” she said.

MORE:‘Ridiculous Giving Her Wildcards’ – Venus Williams Draws Heat From Tennis Community After Toronto R1 Exit

While Venus Williams has bowed out of the Canadian Open after suffering a 6-4, 6-1 loss to Kamilla Rakhimova, Coco Gauff has yet to kick off her campaign at the WTA 1000 event. Having received a first-round bye as the No. 4 seed, Gauff will face either Kayla Day or Diane Parry in her opening match in Toronto.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.