Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old tennis sensation and World No. 2, has taken a well-deserved break from the courts to reconnect with her Florida roots, sharing a series of breathtaking photos that highlight her deep connection to her home state’s natural beauty. After a surprising first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025, the reigning US Open and French Open champion returned to Delray Beach, Florida, where she immersed herself in the state’s lush landscapes and serene waters. Her vibrant social media posts, captioned with a nod to her Pisces spirit, have sparked widespread admiration, showcasing her authenticity and resilience as she prepares for the North American hardcourt swing, including the upcoming Canadian Open and US Open.
Gauff’s Instagram and X posts, shared on July 25, 2025, offer a glimpse into her rejuvenating getaway in Florida’s Everglades and natural springs. In one striking image, she poses confidently in a brown bikini, her toned physique glowing against the backdrop of tranquil waters and vibrant greenery. Other photos capture her kayaking through crystal-clear rivers, swimming alongside turtles, and even ziplining into the blue, embodying the carefree spirit of a “Floridian Pisces in her natural habitat 🧜🏾♀️✨,” as she captioned her Instagram carousel. On X, she echoed the sentiment with a similar caption, “florida girl in her natural habitat 🧜🏾♀️🤍,” accompanied by a four-photo collage that radiated her love for the outdoors. Fans flooded the comments with praise, with one declaring, “I’m going to go with a supermodel here! You look like a real live supermodel!” Another admirer noted, “Looking spectacular in a bikini,” highlighting the overwhelming positive response to her radiant energy.
The standout moment of Gauff’s Florida adventure came during a swim in a natural pool, where she encountered an alligator just a few feet away. Displaying the same composure that has defined her on-court heroics, Gauff calmly continued her swim, later sharing the moment on social media with her characteristic humor and poise. “Her authenticity shines, allowing her to connect with fans beyond tennis,” remarked a sports commentator, emphasizing how her unfazed reaction reflects her Florida upbringing, where such wildlife encounters are not uncommon. The incident, paired with her vibrant photos, underscores Gauff’s ability to embrace her surroundings with confidence, a trait that has endeared her to her 2.8 million Instagram followers and a growing global fanbase.
Born in Atlanta but raised in Delray Beach, Gauff has long celebrated her ties to Florida, a state she proudly calls the “tennis capital of the world.” Her family’s move back to Delray Beach when she was seven provided access to top-tier training facilities, including the Pompey Park courts, now a symbol of her US Open triumph. “This court… I’ve had countless practices here just me and my dad,” Gauff shared in an interview, reflecting on the familiar faces she’s seen at the park since she was a child. “There’s very familiar people I see out here since I was 7 years old and I still see all the time.” Her connection to the community runs deep, with her grandmother, Yvonne Odom, a local legend who broke racial barriers in the 1960s, inspiring Gauff’s advocacy for social justice. “Coco, to me, was destined for greatness because as a little girl, she displayed that in many ways,” Odom said in a fan video Gauff reshared, adding, “I love you, but do your best. Like your grandaddy said, ‘Never say die.’”
Gauff’s Florida retreat follows a challenging Wimbledon, where she fell 7-6(3), 6-1 to Dayana Yastremska in the first round, a rare stumble for the two-time Grand Slam champion. Yet, her mental resilience shone through, as she refused to dwell on the loss. “I’m disappointed, but I don’t want to dwell on it,” she said, focusing instead on her preparation for the hardcourt season. Her recent successes, including the 2025 French Open title and the 2024 WTA Finals, have solidified her status as a tennis superstar. Gauff’s decision to skip the Citi DC Open allowed her to recharge in Florida, where she also honored her roots by collaborating with New Balance on the Coco Delray shoe, a tribute to her hometown.
As Gauff gears up for the Canadian Open in Montreal, where she’ll compete alongside Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, and the US Open Fan Week on August 21, 2025, her Florida escapade has reinvigorated her spirit. The photos, coupled with her alligator encounter, have not only humanized the global star but also highlighted her ability to find balance between her intense career and personal passions. With her family’s support and her grandmother’s guiding words echoing in her heart, Gauff is poised to make a strong return, ready to defend her 2023 US Open title and continue her ascent as one of tennis’s brightest stars.
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