Coco Gauff’s rise to tennis stardom is a story of perseverance, natural talent, and, most importantly, unwavering family support. Behind the Grand Slam titles and worldwide fame, there is a strong foundation built by her parents, Candi and Corey Gauff. While Coco has stolen the spotlight with her incredible feats on the tennis court, her parents have played pivotal roles in shaping her into the champion she is today. Interestingly, both of Coco’s parents are athletes in their own right, which makes her story not just about her personal success, but also a legacy of athleticism in the Gauff family.
Born on March 13, 2004, in Atlanta, Georgia, Coco Gauff was destined for greatness from a young age. In 2019, at just 15 years old, she made international headlines by defeating tennis legend Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon. The world watched in awe as the teenage prodigy not only beat a player she had grown up idolizing but also advanced to the fourth round of one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. This victory against Venus wasn’t just a personal achievement—it symbolized a passing of the torch between generations of Black female athletes in a sport that had long been dominated by the Williams sisters.
After her historic win, Coco was quick to give credit where it was due. In an emotional on-court interview, she praised her parents for their support. “My dad told me I could do this when I was eight, and obviously, you never believe it,” she said, referencing her father’s early belief in her potential. “Thank you, first, to my parents. Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry. Thank you guys, you believed in me from the beginning.” It was a heartwarming moment that reflected the close bond between Coco and her parents, one that has been instrumental in her success.
But who exactly are Coco Gauff’s parents, and what roles have they played in her journey to tennis superstardom? Both Candi and Corey Gauff are former athletes themselves, and their athletic experiences have undoubtedly influenced Coco’s development as a professional athlete.
### Candi Gauff: A Mother and Former Track Star
Candi Odom Gauff, Coco’s mother, was an accomplished athlete in her own right. During her high school years, she excelled in track and field, setting a state record in the heptathlon, a grueling event that tests competitors across seven different athletic disciplines. Her exceptional performance earned her a full scholarship to Florida State University, where she continued to compete at a high level. Additionally, Candi was a talented gymnast during her youth, further showcasing the versatility of her athletic abilities.
Despite her own sports background, Candi has taken a more supportive, rather than instructional, role in Coco’s tennis career. She doesn’t actively coach her daughter, preferring to serve as a source of emotional comfort. “I try to back away on the court because too many voices can be a crowd,” she told *The New York Times* in 2019. “I let my husband be the coach, and I’m the supportive mom, the one if she hurts or is crying that she can communicate with.”
Candi’s presence is a calming force for Coco, especially during high-stress matches. After Coco’s upset win against Venus Williams, Candi spoke to *NBC News* about the post-match emotions. “We gave her a hug and she said, ‘Mom, really, did you think I could win? Come on, tell me!’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I really thought you could win!’” Candi’s quiet confidence in her daughter’s abilities is a testament to the support system that has helped Coco achieve such extraordinary success at such a young age.
### Corey Gauff: The Disciplinarian and Basketball Star
If Candi provides emotional support, Coco’s father, Corey Gauff, brings a different, yet equally important, dynamic to her development—discipline. A former basketball player at Georgia State University, Corey Gauff also had a promising athletic career before transitioning into the healthcare industry. He has been a constant presence in Coco’s tennis journey, often acting as her primary coach during her formative years.
“When it comes to sports—to be really good in sports—really anything, it takes a level of discipline, so I’d consider myself a disciplinarian,” Corey told *Black Tennis Magazine* in an interview before Coco went pro. “It’s not a discipline of if you don’t do something right, I’m going to spank you; it’s a discipline of getting to the court on time, proper warm-ups, proper focus, etc.”
This emphasis on discipline and structure has been a defining feature of Coco’s training regimen. Corey’s background as a competitive athlete has given him a unique perspective on the dedication and mental toughness required to succeed in professional sports. His coaching style is rooted in consistency and focus, traits that Coco has carried with her throughout her career.
Corey and Candi made a significant sacrifice for their daughter’s tennis ambitions. In 2010, they both quit their jobs and moved back to their hometown of Delray Beach, Florida, to support Coco’s tennis career full-time. This move was a huge risk, but it paid off. Their commitment allowed Coco to dedicate herself entirely to the sport, and within a few years, she was competing against—and defeating—some of the greatest players in the world.
### A Family Built on Dreams and Determination
Coco Gauff’s journey is a family affair, and the success she enjoys today is deeply rooted in the love, sacrifice, and athletic experience of her parents. While Coco is the face of this incredible story, it’s clear that without the foundation laid by Candi and Corey, her rise to prominence may not have been possible.
“I’ve said this before; I want to be the greatest,” Coco has admitted in interviews. And with her family firmly behind her, that goal no longer seems far-fetched.