On June 7, 2025, Coco Gauff etched her name into tennis history by clinching her first French Open singles title, defeating the world’s No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, in a gripping final at Roland Garros. The 21-year-old American showcased her resilience, battling back from a set down to win 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a match that lasted over two and a half hours. The victory marked her second Grand Slam singles title, following her 2023 US Open triumph, and made her the first American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. While the stands were filled with cheering fans, including celebrities like film director Spike Lee, one notable absence from Gauff’s player box was her father, Corey Gauff. His decision to watch the match from afar sparked curiosity, but Corey later revealed the heartfelt reason behind his choice.
Corey Gauff, a former college basketball player at Georgia State University and Coco’s first coach, has been a cornerstone of her tennis journey. From the time she picked up a racket at age six, Corey dedicated himself to nurturing her talent, even relocating the family from Atlanta to Delray Beach, Florida, for better training opportunities. His passion for his daughter’s success is undeniable, yet during the French Open final, he chose not to sit in the player box, a decision rooted in a mutual understanding with Coco. “I kinda move around behind the scenes,” Corey explained in an interview after the match. “I try to find a quiet corner where I can look at it on my iPad, and then I make notes and sometimes I’m texting her, and texting the coaches if I see something I think they can’t see.”
This arrangement began after Wimbledon 2023, when Coco, then 19, asked her father to step back from the player box due to his expressive reactions. Coco has shared that Corey’s nervous energy and vocal responses during matches could be distracting. “My dad says some words that I can’t say right here, and then I hear him and I get mad,” she said playfully during a previous interview at the Australian Open. To maintain her focus, they agreed he would stay on the premises but watch from a distance. During the French Open final, Corey was reportedly in the transportation area, pacing and watching on a screen, unable to sit still. Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, noted on social media, “Cocos dad is seriously losing his mind somewhere in the players area… he was NOT relaxed.”
Coco’s mother, Candi, a former track and field athlete at Florida State University, took center stage in the player box, her reactions captured by cameras as she prayed and cheered her daughter on. Coco has explained that having both parents in the box can lead to tension, as Candi often tries to calm Corey’s intense emotions, which sometimes sparks disagreements. “It works much better for them when they are sitting at different places,” Coco said with a laugh. This dynamic has proven effective, as Coco’s career has soared since the adjustment, with major titles at the 2023 US Open and now the 2025 French Open.
The final itself was a testament to Coco’s mental fortitude. Facing a formidable opponent in Sabalenka, who started aggressively with a 4-1 lead in the first set, Coco refused to buckle. Despite losing the first set in a tiebreak, she dominated the second set in just 33 minutes, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors. The third set was a rollercoaster, with breaks exchanged before Coco sealed the victory on her second championship point, collapsing onto the clay in disbelief. “I was going through a lot of dark thoughts,” she admitted, reflecting on her 2022 French Open final loss to Iga Swiatek. “I’m just glad to be back here. I guess I got the most important win.”
Corey’s absence from the stands didn’t diminish his pride or involvement. From his quiet corner, he continued to support Coco by sending insights to her coaches, Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel, who have guided her to new heights. Coco’s emotional post-match speech highlighted her gratitude for her parents’ sacrifices. “I thank my family and team. You guys are amazing,” she said, clutching the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen. She also credited an unconventional source of inspiration: Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas, whose manifestation technique of writing down goals prompted Coco to pen, “I will win French Open 2025,” repeatedly the night before the final.
Gauff’s journey to this moment reflects her growth from a teenage prodigy to a mature champion. At 15, she stunned the tennis world by defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019. Now, at 21, she’s a two-time Grand Slam champion with a bright future. Her ability to adapt, as seen in her improved serve and aggressive forehand, has made her a force on all surfaces, particularly clay, where her speed and defensive prowess shine. As she prepares for Wimbledon, where she aims to surpass her previous fourth-round appearances, Coco’s story is one of resilience, family support, and strategic adjustments—like her father’s quiet presence behind the scenes—that have propelled her to greatness.
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