As the 2025 French Open charged toward its thrilling climax, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, brought her signature charm both on and off the clay courts of Roland Garros. Fresh off a commanding 6-1, 6-2 semifinal victory over French wildcard Loïs Boisson, Gauff secured her spot in the women’s singles final against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. But it was her lighthearted post-match press conference that captured fans’ hearts, where she playfully roasted her mother, Candi Gauff, for her less-than-stellar performance during a recent escape room outing in Paris. “My mom and I did it with Chris Eubanks, and them two were the worst,” Gauff quipped, her grin infectious. “I know when I invite my mom, she’s not going to be great. She’s just there for the vibes.”
The escape room adventure, a fun detour amid Gauff’s intense French Open campaign, saw the world No. 2 team up with her parents, Candi and Corey, and ATP star Christopher Eubanks, a close friend and former Wimbledon quarterfinalist. Gauff, a known enthusiast of the immersive puzzle-solving game, had tackled escape rooms twice in Paris during the tournament. Sharing glimpses of the outing on social media, she jokingly dubbed Eubanks the “LVP” (Least Valuable Player) and called out her mother’s laid-back approach, noting Candi’s tendency to simply soak up the atmosphere rather than crack the codes. “She’s just there for the vibes,” Gauff repeated, sparking laughter in the press room. She didn’t spare Eubanks either, adding, “Chris, I expected a little bit better, just considering he claims he’s good at escape rooms.” The banter highlighted the tight-knit bond Gauff shares with her family and friends, a grounding force as she navigates the pressures of professional tennis.
Gauff’s off-court levity contrasted with her on-court dominance. Her semifinal win over Boisson marked her second French Open final appearance, following a runner-up finish to Iga Świątek in 2022. At 21, Gauff has cemented her status as a global star, with a 2023 US Open title and a career-high No. 2 ranking. Her path to the 2025 final included straight-set victories over players like Julia Avdeeva and Tamara Zidansek, showcasing her blistering speed and improved aggression. Facing Sabalenka, with whom she shares a 5-5 head-to-head record, Gauff expressed confidence: “I’m going to be aggressive and go for my shots. She’s got big shots, but I’ve beaten her before, and I’m ready to give my all.” The final, a clash of the top two seeds, promises to be a spectacle, with Gauff aiming for her second Grand Slam title and €2.55 million in prize money.
Candi Gauff, a former track and field star at Florida State University, has been a constant presence on her daughter’s journey, often traveling with her to tournaments worldwide. From cheering in the stands to sharing heartfelt moments—like their recent Parisian photoshoot, where Coco teased Candi’s photography skills—the mother-daughter duo’s bond is undeniable. Candi’s support extends beyond tennis, as she’s been a pillar through Coco’s advocacy for social justice, inspired by her grandmother Yvonne Lee Odom, a civil rights trailblazer. “My mom, she’s been rocking with me,” Coco said after a recent win, crediting Candi for keeping her grounded. Despite her escape room shortcomings, Candi’s vibrant presence clearly fuels Coco’s spirit, as seen in her Instagram posts celebrating their adventures, from dining in Rome to exploring the Great Wall of China.
The escape room outing wasn’t Gauff’s only off-court highlight in Paris. She’s been spotted enjoying the city’s charm, from posing in front of the Eiffel Tower to promoting her New Balance CG1 sneakers. Her friendship with Eubanks, who joined the Gauff family for card games and practice sessions, adds a layer of camaraderie to her tour life. Last year, ATP star Ben Shelton praised Gauff’s escape room prowess, calling her the “MVP” of their group, a title she clearly relishes. As Gauff prepares for the Sabalenka showdown, her ability to balance fierce competition with playful moments—like teasing Candi for being “just there for the vibes”—reveals a maturity that belies her age. With the tennis world watching, Gauff’s blend of talent, humor, and family support makes her a force to be reckoned with, both in the final and beyond.
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