In the vibrant heart of Madrid’s Caja Mágica, Coco Gauff has etched her name into tennis history, reaching her first Madrid Open final on May 1, 2025, with a stunning 6-1, 6-1 rout of defending champion Iga Swiatek. The 21-year-old American’s commanding performance marked a monumental milestone, making her the third-youngest player to reach WTA 1000 finals on both clay and hard courts since the format’s inception in 2009, trailing only Caroline Wozniacki and Swiatek herself. For Candi Gauff, Coco’s mother and steadfast supporter, this achievement was a moment of overwhelming pride. “I don’t know if I have the words to describe how proud I am of Coco,” Candi shared, her voice brimming with emotion. “She’s worked so hard to get to this point, and to see her shining on such a big stage, it’s just incredible.”
Coco’s journey to the Madrid final was nothing short of electrifying. After a shaky start, dropping a 6-0 first set to Dayana Yastremska in her opening match, she found her rhythm, powering through Olympic champion Belinda Bencic and rising star Mirra Andreeva to reach the semifinals. Her clash with Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, was a defining moment. Gauff, who once trailed their head-to-head 11-1, flipped the script with her third consecutive victory over the Pole, showcasing a blend of aggressive play and tactical precision. “I think I was aggressive and played with margin,” Coco reflected post-match. “Maybe it wasn’t her best level today, but I think I kind of forced her into some awkward positions.” The 64-minute demolition, one of Swiatek’s worst career losses, underscored Gauff’s evolution on clay, a surface where she had previously struggled.
Candi, a former track and field athlete, has been a cornerstone of Coco’s journey, balancing the roles of parent, mentor, and cheerleader. Watching her daughter navigate the pressures of professional tennis, Candi marveled at Coco’s resilience. “She’s faced so many challenges, from injuries to tough losses, but she never gives up,” Candi said. “Seeing her compete against the best in the world and come out on top like this, it’s a testament to her heart and determination.” Coco’s 2025 season, marked by early exits in tournaments like the Australian Open and Indian Wells, had tested her mettle. Yet, her Madrid run—her first WTA 1000 final of the year—signaled a resurgence, fueled by a renewed focus on consistency and mental toughness.
The Madrid Open presented unique challenges beyond the court. A massive power outage on April 28 disrupted the tournament, cutting short Coco’s on-court interview after her win over Bencic and plunging the venue into chaos. “It was pitch-black, and I got the gist that the power went out,” Coco recounted, noting the surreal experience of navigating a darkened Madrid with non-functional traffic lights. Her team’s hour-and-45-minute trek back to their hotel highlighted her ability to adapt under pressure, a trait Candi attributes to Coco’s grounded upbringing. “We’ve always taught her to stay calm and keep moving forward, no matter what,” Candi noted.
Coco’s milestone extends beyond her on-court heroics. By reaching the Madrid final, she joined an elite group, including Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis, as one of the few players aged 21 or younger to amass 25+ Round of 16 appearances at WTA 1000 events. Her 25th career Top 10 win, secured against Andreeva, also made her the youngest player to achieve that feat since Ana Ivanovic in 2008. Facing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, Coco carries a 5-4 head-to-head edge, bolstered by her 2024 WTA Finals victory. A title win would vault her past Swiatek to a career-high No. 2 ranking, a prospect that fills Candi with anticipation. “Coco’s dreaming big, and we’re all behind her,” she said.
For Candi, Coco’s success is a family triumph, shared with husband Corey and sons Codey and Cameron. As Coco prepares for the Madrid final and the clay-court swing ahead, including Roland Garros, Candi’s pride is palpable. “She’s not just my daughter; she’s an inspiration,” Candi declared. “This is just the beginning.” Coco’s Madrid milestone, a blend of grit, talent, and heart, has set the stage for a thrilling chapter in her already remarkable career, with her mother’s unwavering support lighting the way.
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