Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka are two players who are very much still in the nascent stages of their careers. however, this hasn’t stopped them from leaving a cultural impact on the sport. Ahead of Wimbledon 2023, Judy Murray, former tennis coach and Andy Murray’s mother, spoke about women’s tennis and the importance of using the platform players get in bringing about a positive change in society.
Talking to EuroSport, Murray spoke about about how players from different generations carry the mantle forward. Back in the day it was players like Billie Jean King, then the likes of Serena and Venus Williams and now Judy believes it is up to the likes of Osaka and Gauff to do the same by using their voice.
Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka have big shoes to fill
It is difficult to follow in the footsteps of legends like Serena and Venus Williams, both on and off the court. The siblings have numerous tennis records to their names that will prove tough to beat, but they also deserve immense credit for using their influence to shine a light on many social issues in tennis as well as society as a whole. And Judy is confident that youngsters like Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka have what it takes to continue doing the same.
Speaking on this subject, Murray said,
“And I think the most powerful voices are people who are recognisable within their sport. And I would love to see more of the new generation of female players step up in the way that Serena (Williams) did and Venus (Williams) did, and use their platforms to affect change, whatever it is that they believe in.”
She believes such players doing their bit will compel everyone to deliberate on issues plaguing society, open up a dialogue which will eventually lead to a change for the good.
For instance, Osaka did not shy away from opening up about her struggles with mental health. And while many ridiculed her for showing vulnerability, it certainly helped many athletes and people in general to open up themselves and take away from the negative power of such issues.
“I think we see it very nicely with Coco Gauff, with Naomi Osaka; I think they’ve been absolutely brilliant, because the younger generation identify with them and they will listen to them, they speak the same language, they live in the same world. I think it is about standing out for what you believe in and not being afraid to speak up and rock the boat.”
