Coco Gauff has had an extraordinary 2024 season, yet missed out on being named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, an honor that went to Caitlin Clark. Despite the disappointment, Gauff showed her class and sportsmanship by openly supporting Clark, who has made waves in women’s basketball. Clark, named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, also earned the WNBA Rookie of the Year title and set an NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball scoring record. Gauff, previously featured in TIME’s Women of the Year list, expressed genuine joy for Clark’s recognition.
The world No. 3 tennis star had a remarkable year herself, beginning with a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open and ending with her first WTA Finals trophy. Gauff also claimed titles in Beijing and Auckland and made her Olympic debut, where she was honored as Team USA’s flag bearer alongside LeBron James. Despite these accomplishments, the TIME title eluded her, but Gauff remained gracious and supportive.
Clark’s impact on women’s basketball has been transformative, drawing record viewerships to the WNBA. Gauff, a former basketball player in her youth, has been following Clark’s career since her college days at Iowa Hawkeyes.
Gauff’s enthusiasm for women’s basketball extends beyond Clark. She eagerly anticipated the 2024 WNBA season, mentioning players like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. “I’m just really excited to see Caitlin Clark’s first game, and Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. I’m really excited to see them on the same team too,” she said.
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