This year’s U.S. Open hints to a Gen Z-powered shift in the tennis world. With the tournament coming to a close, it is clear that the next generation of tennis players have begun to take the places of previous legends including Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Now, 19-year-old Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff, and no. two highest ranked men’s singles player, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz have captured the tennis world’s attention after their domination at this U.S. Open. However, while the public is quick to compare these Gen Z athletes to players like Williams and Nadal, the players themselves aren’t looking to necessarily fill their shoes. Gauff said in a recent ESPN interview, “Serena is Serena. She’s the GOAT. I hope to do half of what she does, but I’m not going to compare myself to her—she’s someone I look up to.” YPulse’s Sports and Athletics report shows that tennis is among the top 10 sports that Gen Z and Millennials in North America are watching. (Fortune)
