In the world of tennis, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Coco Gauff, the young phenom whose rise from modest roots to global stardom has captivated fans everywhere. Recently, her mother, Candi Gauff, couldn’t contain her pride as she reflected on her daughter’s journey, summing it up with a succinct yet heartfelt two-word message: “Humble Beginnings.” The sentiment, shared in the glow of Coco’s latest achievements, underscores the remarkable path this family has traveled together—one marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work.
Coco Gauff’s story began in Delray Beach, Florida, where she first picked up a tennis racket under the watchful eyes of her parents, Candi and Corey. Both former athletes themselves, they recognized early on that their daughter possessed something special. Candi, a standout track and field star in her own right during her college days, brought an athlete’s discipline to the family dynamic, while Corey took on the role of Coco’s primary coach. Together, they nurtured her talent on the public courts of Pompey Park, a place that would become synonymous with her origin story. It wasn’t a glamorous start—no private academies or elite facilities—just a determined young girl swinging her racket against the backdrop of a tight-knit community.
Fast forward to today, and Coco is a household name, celebrated for her poise on the court and her maturity off it. At just 21, she’s already clinched a U.S. Open title and carried the American flag alongside LeBron James at the Paris Olympics—an honor that left Candi beaming with pride. Reflecting on those early days, Candi’s two-word tribute speaks volumes about the values instilled in Coco from the start. “Humble Beginnings” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a testament to a family that leaned on faith and resilience to overcome the odds. “She was gifted as a child,” Candi has said, recalling Coco’s natural ability. But it wasn’t talent alone that propelled her forward—it was her self-discipline, a trait Candi credits for much of her success.
That discipline shone through in Coco’s recent performances, including her run at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia earlier this month. There, she faced off against the world’s top players, finishing as the runner-up and adding another chapter to her already impressive career. For Candi, watching her daughter compete at that level was a full-circle moment. She’s often seen in the stands, a steady presence alongside Corey, cheering Coco on with the same fervor she had when Coco was a scrappy kid chasing her dreams. But Candi’s role has always been more than just a cheerleader. “I try to back away on the court because too many voices can be a crowd,” she once explained, emphasizing her choice to let Corey handle the coaching while she provided an emotional anchor for Coco—a safe space amid the whirlwind of professional sports.
The Gauff family’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Moving from Atlanta to Florida to focus on Coco’s tennis meant uprooting their lives, a gamble that paid off but required immense sacrifice. Candi, in particular, worked to ensure Coco’s life remained balanced, helping her “compartmentalize” the demands of school and sports. Even as Coco’s star rose—bursting onto the scene at 15 with a stunning upset over Venus Williams at Wimbledon—Candi kept her grounded. That victory, a defining moment in Coco’s career, was a nod to the roadmap laid out by the Williams sisters, whose own beginnings in public parks mirrored Coco’s.
Now, as Coco prepares for the 2025 season, her mother’s pride is palpable. The two-word message Candi shared isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a rallying cry for what’s to come. Coco’s humility, forged in those early days, remains her strength, even as she navigates the pressures of fame and the expectations of a nation. At the Paris Olympics, where she reached the third round in singles and teamed up with Jessica Pegula in doubles, Coco carried herself with the grace of a veteran. “I let my husband be the coach, and I’m the supportive mom,” Candi has said, a role she’s perfected over the years. Whether Coco is winning titles or learning from losses, Candi is there, a constant reminder of where it all began.
From the cracked courts of Pompey Park to the pristine stadiums of the world stage, Coco Gauff’s ascent is a story of talent meeting tenacity. And for Candi Gauff, every milestone is a chance to celebrate not just the victories, but the humble beginnings that made them possible. As Coco continues to inspire, her mother’s quiet pride—and those two simple words—echo as a powerful reminder: greatness doesn’t forget where it came from.
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