When Serena Williams won the French Open in 2015, no one knew what the ensuing decade would bring. Until Coco Gauff, no American WTA star had won at Roland Garros, and the echoes of the Grand Slam victory traveled far beyond the clay courts of Paris. As the attention beamed down on the brightest young tennis star, her win stirred feelings in places she did not think—like the heart of a baseball family watching from afar.
Coco Gauff’s powerful win at the French Open did not just grab the spotlight of fans—it got the attention of Katia Lindor, wife of MLB star Francisco Lindor, to speak out. For Katia, it was about the statement it made, and what came after that was a vital message that resonated across all of women’s sports.
What caught even more attention was the equal prize money: she got the same $2.9 million paycheck as her male counterpart, champion Carlos Alcaraz. For many, like Katia Lindor, wife of MLB star Francisco Lindor, it was a quiet confirmation that tennis is continuing to lead the charge in gender pay equality.
So, Katia Lindor did not stay silent. She took to Instagram to post a message that cut through the noise. Quoting her directly: “On Saturday, Coco Gauff became the first American in a decade to win the French Open. And she received the same check as her male counterpart, Carlos Alcaraz. It’s the kind of equality Billie Jean King and Venus Williams fought for. And while there’s still more work to do (in tennis and all across women’s sports), we can still call Coco’s win a Grand Slam for pay equality.”
Billie Jean King has long been a champion for equal pay. During one interview, she said, “Equal investment is the most important thing. If I talk to a C.E.O., I ask him, or her, or whoever, ‘Do you spend as much on women’s sports as men’s sports?’ That’s the magic question.” King famously threatened not to return to the US Open if there wasn’t equal pay for the male and female champions.
Katia also knew that such progress did not happen overnight. King’s effort was carried by Venus Williams at Wimbledon and secured equal pay for women in 2007. Because of their efforts, tennis became a global sport where female stars now earn the same money as men at the biggest events. Katia’s just reminded everyone that Gauff’s moment is the outcome of decades of struggle. Although the French Open was late in bringing in that change, to see it happen is a win for all sports.
By tying the voice to this moment, the wife of the Mets star was not just reacting—she was challenging other leagues to do better. While her post sparked vital dialogue around gender equality, it was not an isolated moment. Her capability to link personal admiration with powerful advocacy highlights an enhanced presence.
Katia Lindor’s growing voice in sports and social media
It is easy to see Katia as just a baseball wife; however, she has quietly carved out her personal presence. Just before her powerful message on tennis, she lit up Instagram with a six-word post that had the fans of the Mets swooning. The day Francisco Lindor walked into the stadium, coffee in hand, his curls floating in the air like something out of a music video, the team posted the photo. However, the moment truly came alive when she reposted it with the caption: “El de las rizas y rizos .”
Translation: “The one with curls and curls”. It was playful and personal, like a little inside joke between two individuals deeply in tune. This post is reminding fans that sometimes it is not the numbers that steal hearts. It is the small and real moments that say the most.
Of course, having Francisco Lindor shine on the field only enhances her reach. With 14 home runs, 38 RBIs, and a .283 average as of early June, the Mets’ star is finally identifying his full stride in 2025. While Lindor carries flair to the field with chains, cleats, and confidence, it is she who adds heart to the headlines. Cooperatively, the couple is not just a power couple—they are a storytelling duo. One brings the game, and the other brings the voice.
And while Katia’s latest remarks were centered on Gauff’s win, they pointed to a much larger reality. In a world where women’s sports still lag in visibility, investment, and recognition, voices like hers help tip the balance. She’s not a politician or an executive, but she’s someone people listen to. And in 2025, that kind of influence might just be what helps move the needle forward.
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The post Coco Gauff’s French Open Win Inspires Francisco Lindor’s Wife Katia To Champion Bold Message For Female Athletes appeared first on EssentiallySports.
