Coco Gauff has truly had a year to remember. The young American tennis star has dominated the WTA circuit in 2024, making her mark in ways that only a few could have predicted just a few years ago. Earlier this month, she achieved a significant milestone by winning her first-ever WTA Finals trophy in Riyadh, a triumph that made her the first American woman to win the prestigious title since Serena Williams did so in 2014. Gauff’s remarkable victory over Qinwen Zheng in the final capped off an outstanding season, cementing her place as one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis. But even champions need to take a break, and with the 2025 season looming, Gauff has made sure to take some well-deserved time off to recharge.
What better way to use her holiday break than by spending time with family and loved ones? After all, the holiday season is a time for reflection, relaxation, and making memories with those who matter most. Coco has been doing just that, fully embracing the joy of family and friendship during her downtime. Having recently settled into her new home in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff has found the perfect balance between her professional success and personal life. Since moving from Atlanta, this coastal city has become her base, and she’s been making the most of her time there by hosting family and friends.
One of the highlights of Coco’s break has been her annual “Cousinsgiving” celebration. In a series of Instagram stories posted on November 28, Gauff gave fans a peek into her Thanksgiving festivities, which she was celebrating with her cousins in the comfort of her Delray Beach home. “Cousinsgiving” has become a beloved tradition for Coco, and this year, she couldn’t have been more excited to share the occasion with her extended family. In her Instagram stories, she showed her cousins working together in the kitchen, preparing an array of traditional dishes. Coco’s cousin brothers, Cameron and Zabian, were in charge of the cornbread and cucumber salad—two essential sides for any Thanksgiving feast—while her cousin sisters, Yenice and Deja, contributed their own culinary talents, making mashed potatoes with gravy, brownies, and collard greens. The love and care that went into the preparation of the meal was evident, and it’s clear that family means everything to Gauff, especially during such a busy year.
In the midst of her family-filled celebrations, Coco also shared a particularly precious moment with her grandfather, Eddie Odom, who has been a constant source of support in her life and career. Eddie has been a key figure in Gauff’s journey, always cheering her on and encouraging her to reach for the stars. But his involvement in sports goes beyond just being a supportive grandfather—he has been an influential figure in his own right. Eddie Odom made a name for himself in the sports world through his long-standing connection with baseball. He was instrumental in establishing the Delray Beach American Little League, and in 1970, he took the important step of creating a Little League for Black children, providing them with an opportunity to play baseball at a time when such facilities were scarce for communities of color. Eddie’s work made sports accessible to countless young athletes, and his legacy continues to inspire.
Coco and Eddie share a deep bond, one built on mutual respect and admiration. Throughout her career, Eddie has been there to offer his wisdom and encouragement, always emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work. Coco often speaks about how much she cherishes her grandfather’s guidance, and it’s clear that Eddie takes immense pride in her accomplishments. One such moment came earlier this year, when Coco reached a major milestone in her career. In August, she took to social media to share a heartwarming message for her grandfather on his birthday, calling him her “biggest inspiration.” That same month, Eddie posted a photo on Instagram of himself wearing a T-shirt featuring a playful image of Coco enjoying a slice of pizza in New York. The shirt was a nod to her deal with New Balance, a partnership that she signed when she was just 18 years old. Eddie’s caption read, “Look at the new COCO SHIRT… PIZZA in New York..” The pride Eddie takes in Coco’s success is evident in everything he does, and she, in turn, adores him deeply for all he has done for her.
While Coco is taking a break from the pressures of professional tennis, her thoughts are already beginning to turn toward the 2025 season. She’s had a breakthrough year, with consistent performances and major wins, and her WTA Finals victory in Riyadh has given her the confidence to build upon that success. In particular, Gauff will likely set her sights on the Australian Open, which she came so close to winning this past January. Gauff made it all the way to the semifinals before being defeated by Aryna Sabalenka in a tough, hard-fought match. It was a disappointing result, but one that showed Gauff’s growing potential on the big stage. Having reached the semifinals, Coco has proven that she can compete with the best in the world, and now, she’ll be aiming to push even further in 2025.
The 2024 season has undoubtedly been a major turning point for Gauff, marking the beginning of what many believe will be a long and successful career at the top of women’s tennis. Not only did she capture her first WTA Finals title, but she also secured several high-profile victories throughout the year, cementing her place as one of the sport’s most consistent and promising players. With her fearless mentality and ability to perform under pressure, Gauff has already made it clear that she has the tools to become a future Grand Slam champion. As the calendar turns to 2025, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how Gauff builds on her success and whether she can take the next step toward reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
With her family by her side and a newfound confidence heading into next year, Gauff is poised for an even brighter future in tennis. For now, though, she’s making the most of her holiday time, enjoying the love and support of her loved ones and reflecting on all that she has accomplished in 2024. “Cousinsgiving” and moments with her grandfather, Eddie, are just a few of the ways Coco is taking time to appreciate her roots and recharge for the exciting challenges ahead. The next chapter of Coco Gauff’s career promises to be an exciting one, and with her unwavering determination and supportive family backing her, there’s no telling how high she can go in the world of tennis.