The tennis prodigy, 20, is on course for greatness after winning the US Open title as a teenager in 2023, despite a largely disappointing year so far.
Rick Macci, who coached Serena and Venus Williams, once described Gauff as “a track star that has a tennis racquet in her hand.”
Both of her parents were Division 1 athletes, with mom Candi competing in track and field at Florida State University and dad Corey representing Georgia State University in basketball.
Gauff has talked up her track speed in the past – and called out two WTA rivals for a race.
“The 400 is really my race. I did run track,” she said last year.
“I guess in tennis terms, I think the hundred would be good for me.
“But against any other athlete, I need the 400 to even have the chance.
“I think Alycia Parks, she’s pretty quick, has a good stride. And Iga [Swiatek] is pretty quick, too. I think those two would give me a run.