In the midst of a whirlwind tennis season, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American star, paused to celebrate a milestone far more personal than any trophy—a heartwarming family dinner honoring her great-grandmother’s 90th birthday. On a Sunday filled with love and laughter, Gauff gathered with her loved ones to toast Yvonne Lee Odom, a woman whose strength and legacy have left an indelible mark on the Gauff family. The intimate celebration, captured in a touching photograph shared widely online, showcased the tennis prodigy’s deep-rooted connection to her family, a grounding force amid her global fame.
The dinner, held in Delray Beach, Florida, was a joyful affair, with Gauff surrounded by relatives, including her parents, Corey and Candi, and her two younger brothers, Codey and Cameron. The setting was warm and festive, a testament to the tight-knit bond that defines the Gauff family. Yvonne, a trailblazer in her own right as one of the first Black students to integrate her high school in Florida during the 1950s, was the centerpiece of the evening. Gauff, who has often spoken of her great-grandmother’s influence, shared a loving message that resonated far beyond the dining table: “Happy 90th birthday to my great-grandma. I’m so grateful for your love and wisdom. Here’s to celebrating you today and always!” Her words, posted alongside the photo, captured the reverence she holds for Yvonne, whose courage and resilience echo in Gauff’s own journey on and off the court.
The timing of the celebration came just days after Gauff’s exit from the 2025 US Open, where she fell to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. The defeat, a 6-3, 6-4 loss in a match marked by long rallies and intense exchanges, was a setback for the former world No. 2. Yet, the family gathering offered a moment of solace, a chance to reconnect with the roots that have fueled her meteoric rise since her breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2019. “It’s moments like these that remind me what truly matters,” Gauff reflected in a recent interview, her voice carrying the weight of someone who balances the pressures of stardom with the grounding force of family. The dinner was a reminder of the values instilled by Yvonne, whose own battles against adversity have inspired Gauff to face challenges with grace and determination.
Gauff’s family has always been her anchor. Her maternal grandmother, Yvonne, is a towering figure in their history, a woman whose bravery during the Civil Rights era paved the way for future generations. Gauff’s father, Corey, a former college basketball player, and her mother, Candi, a track and field athlete, have been steadfast supporters, guiding her career while nurturing her brothers—Codey, a budding baseball talent, and Cameron, the youngest. The family’s closeness was palpable in the birthday celebration, where stories of Yvonne’s life mingled with laughter and shared memories. “She’s the heart of our family,” Gauff said of her great-grandmother, her admiration evident. “Her strength is something we all carry with us.”
Beyond the court, Gauff’s influence continues to grow. With endorsement deals from brands like New Balance, Rolex, Ray-Ban/Meta, Carol’s Daughter, Fanatics, and Naked Smoothies, she’s a global ambassador for her generation. Yet, it’s her authenticity—seen in moments like this family dinner—that endears her to fans worldwide. Social media lit up with reactions to the photo, with followers praising Gauff’s devotion to her family. “This is what makes Coco so special—she’s a superstar but never forgets where she comes from,” one fan commented online. The image of Gauff, smiling alongside Yvonne, became a symbol of love transcending fame, a reminder that even champions find their greatest victories in the quiet moments of togetherness.
As Gauff prepares for the next leg of her season, including upcoming tournaments in Asia, the memory of this celebration will linger. Yvonne’s 90th birthday was more than a milestone; it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that shape a champion. For Gauff, who has spoken of wanting to inspire others as her great-grandmother inspired her, the evening was a chance to honor the past while looking to the future. In Delray Beach, under the glow of candles and the warmth of family, Coco Gauff reminded the world that her heart remains as strong as her forehand, rooted in love and lifted by those who came before her.
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