Coco Gauff and two American stars have etched their names alongside Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, and Jennifer Capriati in a historic feat. Explore the new era of U.S. tennis dominance.
Coco Gauff, Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport in the frame (via Getty)
Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old prodigy rewriting tennis history books, has propelled herself—and two compatriots—into an exclusive club of American legends.
With a Grand Slam title, nine WTA singles trophies, and a career-high No. 2 ranking in singles (and No. 1 in doubles), Gauff’s meteoric rise now intersects with a milestone unseen in over two decades.
Alongside two of her peers, she’s emulated the feat last achieved by Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, and Jennifer Capriati in 2003, cementing a new golden era for U.S. women’s tennis.
A new trio reignites American dominance
For the first time since 2003, three American women sit inside the WTA’s coveted top five rankings—a testament to the depth of talent emerging stateside.
Leading the charge is Coco Gauff, whose fearless baseline aggression and tactical maturity have kept her firmly entrenched at No. 3. Joining her are two veterans whose resurgences have captivated fans: Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula.
Madison Keys: Resurgence after Melbourne triumph
Madison Keys, 29, reignited her career by clinching her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open. The victory catapulted her back into the top 10, and she’s since climbed to a career-high No. 5.
Known for her thunderous forehand and renewed mental resilience, Keys’ comeback mirrors the late-career surges of her idols. “It’s about trusting the process,” she shared recently, reflecting on her journey from injury setbacks to reclaiming elite status.
Jessica Pegula: Steady climb to No. 4
Jessica Pegula, the quiet force of the trio, has methodically ascended to No. 4. A doubles specialist turned singles powerhouse, her consistency in deep tournament runs—coupled with a maiden major final appearance in 2024—has solidified her as a pillar of American tennis.
The 31-year-old Buffalo native celebrated the historic ranking milestone on Instagram, posting simply: “Such a cool stat.”
Echoes of 2003: When legends ruled
The last time three Americans dominated the top five, Serena Williams (No. 3), Lindsay Davenport (No. 4), and Jennifer Capriati (No. 5) were crafting their own legacies.
Today, Coco Gauff, Keys, and Pegula carry that torch, blending raw power with strategic finesse.
While Gauff’s youth and viral charisma draw comparisons to Serena, Keys and Pegula embody the grit of Capriati and Davenport’s relentless precision.
Why This Matters: A Golden Era Reborn
This trifecta isn’t just a rankings quirk—it’s a signal of America’s revived dominance.
With Taylor Fritz leading the men’s charge and young stars like Robin Montgomery rising, U.S. tennis is thriving across generations. For Gauff, the milestone is both personal and symbolic.
“Growing up, Serena was my north star,” she said in a recent interview. “Now, to be part of a group continuing her legacy? It’s surreal.”
As Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, and Jessica Pegula redefine excellence, they’re not just chasing rankings—they’re honoring a lineage. Two decades after Williams, Davenport, and Capriati set the standard, this trio proves American tennis isn’t just back; it’s here to stay.
