The world number two booked a spot in the third round of the women's singles championship after she demolished Czechia's Tereza Valentova 6-2 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen at Roland-Garros on Thursday (29.05.25).

Gauff, 21, will meet Czechia's Marie Bouzkova on the clay court on Saturday (31.05.25), and Williams, who has seven grand slams wins to her name, said her fellow American's determination to achieve Gauff's "big" dream of winning her first French Open is working to her advantage.

Speaking about the tennis prodigy - who won the US Open in 2023 - Williams told TNT Sports: "I'm so glad you came and took the time out to be with us here too," said the seven-time Grand Slam winner.

"Just so proud of you too, she's had a great year so far, and I know you have big dreams to win this tournament.

"You've been so close, and you can absolutely do it, but you have to do it one match at a time.

"But she's got the goods, you got the attitude. I mean you want to win every point, maybe too much sometimes.

"So the passion is there and it's just more than anything, it’s entertaining. It's entertainment.

"Sport is so important, but the entertainment factor is so important too and you just give it, like everybody can feel what you're feeling."

The French Open women's singles final is taking place on the iconic Philippe-Chatrier court on June 7.