Coco Gauff’s Journey: From Winning Titles to Hosting Friendsgiving and Embracing Homeownership
Coco Gauff’s 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by stunning victories on the court and personal milestones off it. Fresh off her triumphant win at the WTA Finals in Riyadh earlier this month, the 20-year-old tennis sensation is now basking in some well-deserved downtime. Her focus? Settling into her new Florida home and enjoying the festive spirit of Thanksgiving with friends and family.
The Journey to Her Dream Home
Earlier this year, in February, Gauff announced her plans to buy her first home. After an extensive search, she found her dream house in Delray Beach, Florida. This move marks a significant milestone for the young star, who previously lived with her parents in Atlanta. The relocation isn’t just about independence—it’s also strategic. Delray Beach offers better training facilities, allowing Gauff to continue honing her skills as she prepares for future tournaments.
Gauff’s transition to homeownership at such a young age is an impressive feat, showcasing her maturity and focus beyond the tennis court. Moving into her new home has also provided her with a chance to explore another passion: cooking.
Thanksgiving Traditions and Culinary Adventures
This Thanksgiving week, Gauff has been busy hosting her first-ever “Cousins/Friendsgiving” in her new home. Taking to Instagram on November 25th, she shared several clips and photos of the festive gathering. “My first time hosting ‘cousins/friendsgiving,’ everyone made something,” she wrote, highlighting the communal spirit of the occasion. Friendsgiving, a modern twist on the traditional Thanksgiving, allows friends to come together and share a meal, often with each guest contributing a dish.
Gauff’s culinary skills have been a work in progress, but she’s clearly enjoying the journey. Last year, she made headlines for her Thanksgiving contributions, which included various types of banana bread. She proudly shared on social media that she baked four loaves: two regular, one chocolate chip, and one walnut banana bread. This year, she’s expanded her repertoire, revealing in an Instagram story that she made sweet potato pie for the first time.
Lessons in the Kitchen
Cooking hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Gauff. In an interview during the WTA Finals, she candidly discussed some of her culinary mishaps. One particularly memorable experience involved her attempts at baking banana bread. “The bananas were too ripe because you’re supposed to wait. I think I waited too long, so I threw them away,” she admitted. Determined to improvise, she tried to “freestyle” the recipe but ended up with a less-than-ideal result. “I tried to make it for my fitness coach’s birthday, but when I tested it, I was like, ‘I cannot give him this.’ I was really disappointed because banana bread is what I’m good at.”
This experience taught Gauff an important lesson: while cooking allows for creativity, baking requires precision. “I think baking is—you have to be more precise than cooking. I won’t freestyle next time,” she reflected. Judging by her recent Friendsgiving success, it seems she’s putting those lessons to good use.
Celebrating Success and Creating Memories
Gauff’s recent downtime isn’t just about cooking and hosting. She’s also been enjoying quality time with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera. The couple recently attended the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, a music festival founded by rapper Tyler, the Creator, held at Dodger Stadium. The event was a chance for Gauff to unwind and celebrate her WTA Finals victory in a fun, relaxed environment.
One of the highlights of the outing was Gauff’s visit to an arcade. In an Instagram story dated November 19th, she showcased her competitive spirit, this time off the court. “Y’all can’t touch me in Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga,” she wrote, sharing clips of her playing the classic arcade games. Her playful side and competitive edge were on full display, reminding fans that her talents extend beyond tennis.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the holiday season winds down, Gauff’s focus will soon return to tennis. The 2025 season kicks off with the Australian Open, and Gauff will be eager to build on her impressive performances from this year. In 2024, she reached the semi-finals in Melbourne but fell to Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. This year’s experience has undoubtedly fueled her determination to go further and perhaps claim her first Australian Open title.
Reflecting on her journey so far, it’s clear that Gauff is not just a rising star in tennis but also a young woman coming into her own. Her achievements on the court—highlighted by her 2023 US Open victory and recent WTA Finals win—are complemented by her growth off the court. From becoming a homeowner at 20 to mastering the art of hosting and cooking, Gauff is embracing every aspect of her life with enthusiasm and grace.
A Bright Future
Coco Gauff’s story is one of resilience, talent, and authenticity. As she continues to excel in tennis, she’s also carving out a fulfilling personal life. Whether she’s perfecting a recipe, dominating at Ms. Pac-Man, or competing at the highest levels of her sport, Gauff approaches everything with passion and dedication.
As fans look ahead to the 2025 season, one question looms large: Can Coco Gauff win her first Australian Open title? If her journey so far is any indication, she’s more than ready to rise to the challenge. And as she enjoys her well-earned break, one thing is certain—Gauff’s star is only beginning to shine.