Coco Gauff, the rising tennis superstar, recently celebrated a personal milestone by hosting her first “Friendsgiving” at her new home. The 20-year-old American delighted fans by sharing highlights from the event, including her attempt at baking a sweet potato pie for the very first time. The gathering marked not just a festive occasion but also a significant step in Gauff’s journey of independence, as she settles into life as a homeowner and young adult.
### **A New Chapter: Coco Gauff’s Move to Independence**
Earlier this year, Gauff revealed her plans to move out of her parents’ house, signaling a new chapter in her life. While the transition was a big step, the tennis star made it clear that she wanted to stay close to her family. Living independently but still in the same city as her parents—Delray Beach, Florida—allowed her to embrace freedom while maintaining her connection to home.
In October, Gauff gave fans a glimpse of her new home on Instagram, sharing her joy and gratitude for reaching this significant milestone at such a young age.
“Life update: bought a house a few months ago,” she wrote. “Cheers to being a homeowner at 20. All glory to God.”
Her post was met with admiration from fans and peers alike, with many applauding her maturity and accomplishments both on and off the court. The home, a symbol of her success and hard work, now serves as a space for Gauff to not only recharge from her grueling tennis schedule but also to create cherished memories with her loved ones.
### **Friendsgiving Festivities at Gauff’s Home**
On Sunday, November 24, just days before Thanksgiving, Gauff hosted her first-ever “Friendsgiving” celebration at her new house. The intimate gathering included her cousins and close friends, making the occasion even more special. Gauff showcased the feast she and her guests prepared, highlighting the collaborative effort that made the event memorable.
“My first time hosting ‘cousins/friendsgiving,’” Gauff wrote on Instagram. “Everyone made something.”
Among the dishes, Gauff proudly displayed her homemade sweet potato pie, a personal accomplishment she humorously noted.
“Made sweet potato pie for the first time,” she added. “Lol this is the only pic I have of it.”
The young tennis star’s openness about her culinary experiments resonated with fans, many of whom could relate to her learning process as she adjusts to living independently. Gauff has previously shared that cooking is a skill she’s had to develop since moving out, describing it as both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.
### **A Stellar 2023 and a Rollercoaster 2024**
Gauff’s personal milestones come on the heels of a career-defining period on the tennis court. Her 2023 season was nothing short of phenomenal, as she captured four titles, including her first Grand Slam victory at the US Open. The triumph solidified her status as one of the brightest young stars in the sport and propelled her to World No. 3 in the rankings.
However, her 2024 campaign presented a mixed bag of results. While she successfully defended her ASB Classic title at the start of the year, the first half of the season saw her struggling to find her rhythm. Yet, true to her fighting spirit, Gauff turned things around in the latter half, claiming the WTA 1000 title in Beijing and ending her year on a high note with a stunning victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Reflecting on her rollercoaster season, Gauff demonstrated the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of her young career. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks and finish strong speaks to her maturity both as an athlete and as an individual.
### **Learning to Live Independently**
During her impressive run at the WTA Finals, Gauff opened up about her experience of living on her own for the first time. She shared insights into the challenges and rewards of her newfound independence, including the practical skills she’s had to acquire.
“I just felt like this was a time for me to move out,” she said. “But I’m still in the same city as my parents, and my parents have a court at home, so I practise there still. So it feels somewhat the same.”
Gauff admitted that cooking has been one of the biggest adjustments, as she never had to take on the responsibility while living with her parents, both of whom enjoy cooking.
“Obviously, I’m living alone, so I’m just trying to learn how to cook more, something I never really had to do living with both parents who like to cook,” she explained. “So it’s been something that I’ve been experimenting with, and had some mostly successes, some failures.”
Her candidness about the ups and downs of independent living has endeared her to fans, offering a relatable glimpse into the life of a young woman navigating adulthood while balancing the demands of a professional tennis career.
### **Looking Ahead to 2025**
As the holiday season unfolds, Gauff plans to spend time with her family in Florida, enjoying a well-deserved break after a challenging but rewarding year. The downtime will allow her to recharge before embarking on her 2025 campaign, which is set to begin with her debut at the United Cup, where she will represent the USA.
The upcoming season promises new challenges and opportunities for Gauff, who continues to grow both as a player and as a person. Her ability to juggle personal milestones with professional success is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her goals.
### **A Role Model On and Off the Court**
At just 20 years old, Coco Gauff embodies the qualities of a modern role model. Her achievements on the court are matched by her grace and authenticity off it, as she navigates the complexities of adulthood with humility and gratitude. Whether she’s hosting Friendsgiving, learning to cook, or battling it out on the biggest stages in tennis, Gauff’s journey inspires fans around the world.
Her new home is more than just a physical space; it represents her growth, independence, and the foundation for the next exciting chapter of her life. As she continues to shine in all aspects of her life, there’s no doubt that Gauff’s story is only just beginning.