Coco Gauff hopes the stars align to play Serena Williams before her idol's farewell tour ends

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Coco Gauff breezed through her first-round match at the National Bank Open on Tuesday, dispatching countrywoman Madison Brengle, 6-1, 6-3, in Toronto.

But unsurprisingly, the focus of her press conference began with a request to address the topic of the day - the decision from Serena Williams to move on from tennis after the US Open. Gauff, who has faced Serena’s sister Venus Williams twice (winning both), still hopes the stars align for her to fulfill an ambition of facing the 23-time major singles champion.

“Not really shocking but almost shocking news. Because she's just been playing forever, my whole life,” said Gauff, who was born in March of 2004 after Serena had long completed her first of two “Serena Slams” on the WTA Tour.

“I don't know, a little bit sad because I have always wanted to play her. So I'm hoping that my draw in Cincinnati or US Open or even here can work out so we can play each other. Because that's just one of my goals.”

Gauff, on the cusp of breaking into the Top 10 for the first time, was also asked about the inspiration the Williams family has provided her own in continuing to break down walls and change the perception of the sport.

“For me, I grew up watching her. I mean, that's the reason why I play tennis. Tennis being a predominantly white sport it definitely helped a lot. Because I saw somebody who looked like me dominating the game. It made me believe that I could dominate too,” Gauff expressed.

“Then my dad, I think her whole story, the Williams sisters story, with Mr. Williams and all that he's done for both of them inspired my dad to continue to coach me and help me. Even though he had not really much tennis experience. But he was like, ‘If Mr. Williams can do it, then I can.’”

I have always wanted to play her. So I'm hoping that my draw in Cincinnati or US Open or even here can work out.

At 17, Serena won her first major singles title at the 1999 US Open. Gauff celebrated her 18th birthday this year, shortly before making her major singles final debut at Roland Garros. She ultimately fell to a red-hot Iga Swiatek in straight sets.

“I felt like I had to remind myself that I am 18. The way I came on to the scene, everybody was saying all types of things about me. And it wasn't realistic, to be honest. But at that moment in my life I believed it so much,” said Gauff.

“I learned that losing is a part of the game. I learned that you can't win every tournament. I think from that (French Open) final, it taught me that that was probably the most relaxed I've ever been in a tournament, where I wasn't focused on results. It taught me not to focus on results because then I actually get the results.”

Gauff is bidding to win her first title at the 1000 level. She’ll have her hands full in the second round when she battles Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.