While most people were preparing for traditional Thanksgiving feasts with family and friends, tennis sensation Coco Gauff chose to put her own spin on the holiday, creating a special gathering exclusively for her cousins. This intimate celebration, filled with laughter, food, and cherished family moments, quickly became the talk of social media—not just for the warmth it exuded but also for a humorous exchange that saw Gauff defending her cooking prowess.
A Cozy Cousins’ Gathering
Gauff shared snippets of her Thanksgiving festivities on Instagram, giving her followers a behind-the-scenes look at her family-centric celebration. In the video, her cousins introduced themselves and showcased the dishes they brought to the table. Each family member contributed to the feast, creating a potluck-style meal that was both personal and heartwarming. Gauff, dressed casually and visibly relaxed, proudly declared, “My name is Coco, and I’m the host. And I made sweet potato pie and banana bread. And I bought a honey-baked ham and Bud’s chicken.”
The atmosphere was one of lighthearted joy, far removed from the high-pressure world of professional tennis. Yet, even in this relaxed setting, Gauff’s social media post ignited a minor storm when one fan decided to question her culinary abilities.
The Fan’s Jab and Gauff’s Fiery Comeback
While many fans praised Gauff for her openness and down-to-earth demeanor, one Instagram user, lenon705, took a playful but pointed jab. Commenting on her post, the fan wrote, “Coco. You know you can’t cook. Your staff made that for you……” implying that Gauff might not have prepared the dishes herself.
Gauff, known for her grace on the court and quick wit off it, didn’t let the comment slide. She responded with a mix of humor and firmness: “@lenon705 you don’t even know me. Lol and what staff? all I made was pie and banana bread. It’s really not that hard 😂.” Her reply quickly garnered likes and supportive comments from fans who appreciated her candidness and refusal to let the comment undermine her efforts. Indeed, as she had mentioned in her introduction, Gauff clearly distinguished between the dishes she prepared herself and those she bought.
Non-Traditional, But Full of Tradition
This wasn’t a conventional Thanksgiving dinner, and Gauff made no apologies for that. When another fan, Aisha McDonald, inquired about the inclusion of baked beans—a dish not typically associated with Thanksgiving—Gauff explained her unique approach. “Yes, it’s not traditional Thanksgiving food, but it was just us cousins and everyone was told to make what they think they could make well. Plus, I love baked beans and would eat them any time!” she replied.
This non-traditional approach highlighted the essence of Gauff’s celebration: it was less about adhering to norms and more about creating a warm, inclusive space where family members could contribute in their own way. This ethos mirrors Gauff’s personality—authentic, independent, and unafraid to chart her own course.
Ending a Stellar Year on a High Note
Gauff’s relaxed demeanor during the Thanksgiving celebration comes after an intense and successful season. The World No.3 capped off 2024 with a significant victory at the WTA Finals, where she triumphed over Qinwen Zheng in a thrilling three-set match. This victory was particularly meaningful, as Gauff had faced setbacks earlier in the year, including disappointing performances at the Olympics and the US Open. However, she rebounded strongly, showcasing her resilience and tenacity.
Financially, it was also a banner year for Gauff. According to Forbes, she earned a staggering $27.1 million in 2024, with $7.1 million coming from tournament winnings and an impressive $20 million from endorsements. These figures underscore her growing prominence not just as an athlete but as a global brand.
Off-Court Bliss: Quality Time with Loved Ones
Despite her demanding schedule, Gauff has made the most of her off-season, prioritizing time with her loved ones. Before Thanksgiving, she attended the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in California with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera. The music festival provided a rare opportunity for Gauff to unwind and enjoy some downtime before returning to the practice court.
Her Thanksgiving video also featured a touching moment with her grandfather, Eddie Odom. In one Instagram story, Gauff shared a photo of the two of them smiling together, captioned simply, “Grand Dad.” This heartfelt snapshot resonated with fans, offering a glimpse into the close bond she shares with her family.
The Legacy of Eddie Odom
Eddie Odom, a former baseball player associated with the Delray Beach American Little League, has been a significant influence in Gauff’s life. Over the years, he has spearheaded initiatives to make sports more accessible to young people, a cause that clearly resonates with his granddaughter’s journey. Ahead of the US Open, Odom proudly showed his support for Gauff by sharing a photo of a custom “COCO SHIRT” and a caption that read, “Look at the new COCO SHIRT… PIZZA in New York..” His pride in Gauff’s accomplishments is palpable, reflecting a family culture of encouragement and mutual support.
A Special Thanksgiving
For Gauff, this Thanksgiving was more than just a day of feasting; it was a celebration of family, resilience, and authenticity. After a season filled with highs and lows, victories and challenges, the gathering with her cousins and grandfather was a reminder of what truly matters. As she looks ahead to the 2025 season, Gauff carries with her not just the momentum of recent victories but also the grounding presence of her family’s love and support.
Thanksgiving at Coco Gauff’s house was a testament to the simple joys of life: good food, heartfelt laughter, and the warmth of family. It’s a side of the World No.3 that fans rarely get to see, and it’s one that makes her all the more relatable. As she continues to break records and inspire millions, one thing is clear: Coco Gauff’s greatest strength might just be her ability to stay true to herself, both on and off the court.