For **Coco Gauff**, family is not just a priority—it’s a source of strength. The 20-year-old American tennis star, known for her resilience on the court, recently faced a disappointing exit in the third round of the **US Open**. However, with the **China Open** on the horizon, Gauff has landed in Beijing, ready to put the past behind her and begin this leg of the season with renewed focus. Her first challenge? Facing **Clara Burel**. But before the action begins, Coco is soaking in the culture and landmarks of China, making cherished memories with her mother, **Candi Gauff**, who has been her steadfast supporter through every victory and setback. Their trip, coinciding with **National Daughter’s Day**, is a celebration of family, resilience, and the unique bond between mother and daughter.
#### A Tough Season for Gauff
The 2024 season has tested Gauff’s mettle in more ways than one. After a promising start at the **ASB Classic**, where she clinched her first singles title of the year, the rest of the season has been a rollercoaster. Early exits from several key tournaments, including the **Paris Olympics**, have been disappointing for the young player who had set high expectations for herself. The pressure intensified at the **US Open**, a tournament where she won her first Grand Slam title the previous year. Gauff’s defeat in the third round was particularly disheartening, leading to significant changes in her team, including parting ways with her coach, **Brad Gilbert**.
Yet, true to her spirit, Gauff has embraced the challenge of bouncing back. The Asian swing offers her a fresh start, and the **China Open**—where she reached the semifinals in 2023—presents the perfect opportunity to regain her momentum. And she’s not facing this challenge alone. Her mother, Candi, has always been a pillar of support, traveling with her and ensuring that Gauff’s journey, both on and off the court, is filled with love and encouragement.
#### Exploring China: A Mother-Daughter Bond
Upon arriving in Beijing, Gauff and her mother took some time off the court to explore the rich history and culture of China. Their first stop? One of the most iconic landmarks in the world—the **Great Wall of China**. Dressed in matching black outfits, the duo took selfies and solo shots, capturing their adventure along the 10,000-mile-long monument. Candi, clearly proud of her daughter, shared these moments on Instagram, where she frequently posts about Coco’s journey.
Their exploration didn’t stop at the Great Wall. They also visited the **Forbidden City**, a historic site that houses the **Palace Museum**. Candi took a solo photo with the magnificent backdrop, sharing it with her followers. She marked the occasion of **National Daughter’s Day** by posting a series of lighthearted, goofy pictures with Coco in a photo booth collage, captioned, “@cocogauff National Daughters Day.”
Coco’s response was equally heartfelt. She reshared her mother’s post, adding, “Love my mom.” The collage featured four pictures that beautifully captured their bond. In one, Coco sported her signature shades while Candi smiled at the camera. Another showed Coco planting a loving kiss on her mother’s head. A third image featured Candi playfully pouting while Coco smiled with her hands resting on her chin. The final shot displayed both of them with mock-shocked expressions, adding a touch of humor to their adventure.
#### Laughs and Lighthearted Moments
Beyond the iconic sights, the trip has been filled with fun, candid moments that highlight the close relationship between mother and daughter. Coco, known for her witty social media presence, didn’t hold back from sharing a hilarious moment about her mother’s photography skills. While trying to capture the perfect shot at the Great Wall, Coco posted a behind-the-scenes look at her efforts. “Lol when you gotta position the phone right where you want it so your mom doesn’t mess up your photo, lol,” she captioned, showing herself setting up the camera for her mother to take the perfect picture.
Later, she shared a playful image of herself running down the slope of the Great Wall, joking, “Rented the Great Wall all to myself.” It seems her mother might have redeemed herself with that shot. Coco also donned a traditional Chinese dress during their visit to the **Forbidden City**, sharing those moments with her fans and giving them a glimpse into the cultural side of their journey.
#### Looking Ahead: The China Open
While the trip has been a celebration of family and culture, Gauff’s focus remains firmly on the upcoming China Open. With the support of her mother by her side, she aims to channel this positive energy into her performance. The tournament holds special significance for Gauff; reaching the semifinals in 2023 was a highlight of her season, and she hopes to build on that success.
Fans are eagerly watching, not just for Gauff’s performance on the court, but for more of the heartwarming mother-daughter moments that have made their way onto social media. The bond between Coco and Candi is more than just familial—it’s a partnership that has shaped Gauff’s journey, providing her with the strength to face challenges head-on.
As the China Open approaches, Gauff’s time in Beijing serves as a reminder that, for her, success isn’t just about titles and trophies. It’s about the journey, the people who stand by her, and the memories made along the way. And with Candi by her side, there’s no doubt that Coco Gauff is ready to take on whatever comes next.