In the vibrant world of professional tennis, where personalities shine as brightly as the trophies they chase, Coco Gauff has once again captured the spotlight—not with her powerful forehand, but with her infectious humor. In early April 2025, the 21-year-old tennis sensation took to Instagram to share a lighthearted meme that had her fans chuckling and nodding in recognition. The post playfully addressed a quirky fact about her identity: many people don’t realize that “Coco” isn’t her legal first name.
Gauff, ranked World No. 4, posted a meme inspired by a popular trend, featuring a dramatic scene of a gladiator entering the Colosseum in ancient Rome. The image, complete with a figure stretching out an arm as if heralding a grand announcement, was captioned with a tongue-in-cheek tagline poking fun at the idea that her “real name” remains a mystery to some. The meme resonated with her followers, sparking laughter and a wave of engagement across social media. For those in the know, Gauff’s legal name is Cori—a detail that surprises casual fans who’ve only ever heard her called Coco on the WTA circuit and beyond.
This playful moment came during a brief pause in Gauff’s demanding schedule, following her Round-of-16 exit at the 2025 Miami Open, where she fell to Magda Linette. The loss marked a challenging start to her 2025 season, but Gauff’s ability to find humor amid the grind showcased her resilience and relatability. “I think maybe just because Coco is just so easy and recognizable, people like it more than using my last name,” she remarked last year after a victory at the US Open, reflecting on why her nickname has stuck. The quote, resurfacing in conversations about her recent meme, underscores how seamlessly “Coco” has become her global brand.
The origin of her nickname is a heartwarming family tale. Gauff has shared two competing stories about how “Coco” came to be. One version credits her mother, who began calling her Coco when she was young to avoid confusion with her father, Corey. The other story points to her aunt, who claims she coined the nickname. During a press conference after defeating Varvara Gracheva in a previous tournament, Gauff laughed as she recounted, “With Coco, there are two stories. My aunt says she came up with calling me Coco.” Regardless of who gets the credit, the name has become synonymous with her meteoric rise in tennis, from stunning Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 at age 15 to becoming the youngest American woman in 25 years to win the US Open in 2023.
Gauff’s knack for connecting with fans extends beyond her on-court prowess. Her Instagram stories, often filled with candid glimpses into her life, reveal a young woman who doesn’t take herself too seriously. The meme she shared wasn’t just a one-off joke; it was a window into her playful nature, which many believe is a secret weapon in navigating the pressures of professional sports. After a disappointing 2025 season so far, including her early exit in Miami, Gauff’s ability to laugh and engage with her audience suggests she’s keeping perspective as she prepares for her next challenge: the 2025 Stuttgart Open, set to kick off on April 12.
As Gauff heads to Germany, where she’ll compete on the clay courts from April 12 to 20, fans are eager to see if she can rebound from recent setbacks. Her Miami Open performance, while not her best, hasn’t dimmed her star power. Off the court, she continues to make waves, including a partnership signed last year with Carol’s Daughter, a natural hair care brand that aligns with her advocacy for authenticity and self-expression. The deal highlighted her influence beyond tennis, cementing her as a cultural figure who resonates with a generation.
The “real name” meme may have been a fleeting moment of humor, but it encapsulated what makes Gauff so beloved: her ability to balance fierce competitiveness with an approachable, down-to-earth charm. Whether she’s serving aces or serving up laughs, Coco—or Cori—Gauff remains a force to be reckoned with, both in the arena and in the hearts of her fans worldwide. As she continues her journey, one thing is clear: no matter what name she goes by, her impact is unmistakable.