### Coco Gauff Embraces Independence and Life Skills as She Competes in WTA Finals
Coco Gauff, the rising star of American tennis, has recently opened up about her journey toward independence after moving out of her parents’ house. As she competes at the 2024 WTA Finals, Gauff shared her experiences of adjusting to life on her own, emphasizing her determination to acquire essential life skills now that she is no longer relying on her parents for daily tasks.
Currently participating in the prestigious year-end championships in Riyadh, Gauff started her quest for her first WTA Finals title with a commanding victory over fellow American Jessica Pegula, winning the match 6-3, 6-2. Positioned in the competitive Orange Group, the World No. 3 is set to face formidable opponents, including Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova, in the group stage of the tournament.
Before heading to the WTA Finals, Gauff took some time off to recharge back home in Florida after the grueling Asian swing of the tour. During this period, she proudly shared snippets of her new home, expressing her gratitude for achieving the milestone of homeownership at just 20 years old. “All glory to God,” she declared, highlighting the significance of this achievement in her young life.
In a candid interview with *The National* amid her WTA Finals campaign, Gauff elaborated on her decision to move out. “I just felt like this was a time for me to move out. But I’m still in the same city as my parents,” she explained. Although she now lives independently, her close proximity to her family means she can still visit them frequently, especially to practice at their home tennis court.
Gauff’s journey toward independence hasn’t been without its challenges. She acknowledged that one of the skills she is working on is cooking—something she hadn’t needed to do while living with her parents, Candi and Corey, who are both enthusiastic about cooking. “It’s been something that I’ve been experimenting with,” she said. “I’ve had some mostly successes, some failures,” indicating a mix of triumphs and learning experiences in her culinary endeavors.
The process of learning to cook reflects a broader theme in Gauff’s life: her transition from childhood to adulthood. At 20, she recognizes that she may have matured more quickly than many of her peers, largely due to the pressures and responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete. However, she credits her parents for creating a nurturing environment that allowed her to enjoy her childhood, despite her rapid ascent in the tennis world. “I was definitely still able to be a kid,” she reflected. “I probably matured faster than a lot of people, but I think my parents did a good job of trying to make it as relaxed as possible.”
Earlier this year, during her Wimbledon campaign, Gauff spoke about her desire to move out of her parents’ home, indicating that she was actively looking for her own place. “Not for long though! I’ll still be in Delray, not far, just not at home. I’m in the process,” she shared, suggesting a clear intention to establish her own space while remaining connected to her roots.
As she adjusts to her new lifestyle, Gauff is also focused on her performance on the court. She is set to face Iga Swiatek in her second round-robin match at the WTA Finals, a challenge that is not without its difficulties. Swiatek has a dominant head-to-head record against Gauff, leading 11-1, with their most recent encounter resulting in a defeat for Gauff in the 2024 French Open semifinals. “It’s definitely a tough match ahead,” Gauff acknowledged, but her confidence and competitive spirit remain unwavering.
The blend of personal growth and professional challenges paints a picture of Gauff as a well-rounded individual who is navigating the complexities of adulthood while striving for excellence in her sport. Her commitment to learning and growing, both on and off the court, is an inspiring narrative for her fans and aspiring athletes alike.
In summary, Coco Gauff’s journey toward independence and self-sufficiency is a testament to her maturity and resilience. As she competes in the WTA Finals, her experiences resonate beyond tennis, highlighting the importance of personal development and the skills necessary for navigating adult life. With each match and each new cooking experiment, Gauff is not just chasing titles but also shaping her identity as a young woman in the spotlight. Whether she’s hitting the courts or the kitchen, Gauff is embracing every opportunity to grow, and her fans are eager to see what she will accomplish next.