Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why.

Although I haven’t watched much lately, tennis is the sport I’ve probably watched the most. I played on a few tennis teams in high school and was somewhat competitive for a couple of years. I can really appreciate how hard it is to hit a precise backhand and powerful serve.

As a kid, I liked watching Björn Borg (the big brooding Swede) and bratty John McEnroe. But it’s the American women who I’ve really come to appreciate. From Billie Jean King and Chrissie Evert to Venus and Serena Williams (the greatest ever), these women are groundbreakers, leaders, and role models.

And now Coco Gauff. If you didn’t see it, check out her trophy acceptance speech at last night’s US Open Women’s Singles championship. Wow, what grace and respect she showed to her family, supporters, event organizers, competitor, and predecessors in the sport. And she’s only 19! The moment when she thanks Billie Jean for fighting for equal prize money was the highlight for me.