Coco Gauff isn't just shaping the future of tennis; she's also keenly aware of the legends and current stars who define the game's greatest weapons. In a recent breakdown of the "perfect" tennis player, the 22-year-old US Open champion made some fascinating picks, starting with a bold claim about the greatest forehand in history.

When asked to assemble the ultimate competitor, Gauff didn't look far into the past for her forehand selection. She chose the explosive shot of Carlos Alcaraz. "I would say Carlos," Gauff explained, "just because I feel like he can hit a rocket from anywhere in the court." This endorsement adds fuel to an ongoing debate about the Spaniard's world-class weapon.

For the rest of her dream player, Gauff blended self-belief with respect for iconic figures. She confidently selected her own backhand, opted for the sheer power of Ivo Karlovic's serve, and praised Rafael Nadal's legendary mentality. On style, the choice was simple: Serena Williams for having "probably the best tennis fashion ever."

Gauff's praise for Alcaraz's forehand is particularly timely. The topic has been a hot one on tour, with young star Joao Fonseca also recently rating it as the best. Even Alcaraz himself was put on the spot in 2024, asked to compare his forehand to that of his idol, Rafael Nadal. Showing a mix of humility and ambition, the young champion conceded that Nadal's was currently superior but left the door open, saying, "Let’s see at the end of my career who has the better forehand."

By recognizing the power of Alcaraz's forehand alongside the mental fortitude of Nadal and the iconic style of Serena, Gauff's picks celebrate the blend of raw power, unwavering focus, and personal expression that makes modern tennis so thrilling to watch—and to play.