Coco Gauff, born Cori Dionne Gauff on March 13, 2004, in Delray Beach, Florida, is a tennis sensation who has made a significant impact on the sport at a young age.
From winning the 2023 U.S. Open to being named a flag bearer for Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Gauff’s journey in professional tennis is a testament to her exceptional talent and determination.
Early Life and Family Background
Coco Gauff’s athleticism is rooted in her family’s background. Her father, Corey Gauff, played Division I basketball at Georgia State University, and her mother, Candi Gauff, was a gymnast and track athlete at Florida State University.
The family’s emphasis on sports was clear from an early age, with Coco starting tennis at just six years old.
Her parents made significant sacrifices to support her tennis career, including relocating back to Delray Beach and homeschooling Coco to allow her to focus on her training. This support laid the foundation for her future success on the court.
Junior Tennis Achievements
Gauff’s tennis career took off early. By the age of 10, she was training in France with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Her early achievements include winning the USTA Clay Court National 12-under title in 2014 and becoming the junior champion at the French Open in 2018. These accomplishments set the stage for her transition to professional tennis.
Professional Tennis Career
Coco Gauff made a notable entrance into professional tennis in 2019, with her breakthrough coming at Wimbledon. At just 15, she defeated five-time champion Venus Williams in the first round, which led to the term “Cocomania” becoming popular among tennis fans. Her rapid rise continued with her first WTA title at the Linz Open later that year.
In 2023, Gauff achieved a major milestone by winning the U.S. Open. This victory was significant not only because it was her first Grand Slam title but also because she became the youngest American woman to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 1999.
Her 2023 U.S. Open win was preceded by a victory at the Western & Southern Open, where she defeated the world’s top-ranked player, Iga Świątek.
Olympic Journey
Gauff’s Olympic journey has had its ups and downs. She was initially set to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but had to withdraw due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Coco Gauff is not happy with the umpire in her match against Pliskova.
“You called it out after she hit it.”
“Can you not cut me off for two seconds?”
“Call the supervisor… you can’t deny me the supervisor. I’m gonna ask her what the rule is.”
Coco hit a serve that was… pic.twitter.com/QyfBN1q6D6
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 21, 2024
However, her determination and skill secured her a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she will represent Team USA and serve as the female flag bearer alongside NBA star LeBron James.
Ranking and Achievements
As of July 2024, Coco Gauff holds the No. 2 ranking in women’s singles, a career high. Her professional stats are impressive, with 210 career singles matches won, 93 losses, and 7 singles titles. In doubles, she has won 9 titles, including a major title at the 2024 French Open with partner Katerina Siniaková.
Her career prize money has exceeded $15 million, reflecting her success on the court and lucrative endorsement deals with brands like New Balance and Bose.
Personal Life and Activism
While Gauff has generally kept her personal life private, she has shared that she is in a relationship with someone not involved in tennis. Off the court, Gauff is an active advocate for climate change and racial justice. Her activism includes speaking at Black Lives Matter protests and supporting environmental causes.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s rise in tennis is a blend of raw talent, hard work, and strong support from her family. With her impressive achievements and ongoing commitment to activism, she is not just a rising star in the sport but also a role model for young athletes and activists alike.
FAQs
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When did Coco Gauff start playing tennis?
- Coco Gauff began playing tennis at the age of six.
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What was Coco Gauff’s major breakthrough in professional tennis?
- Her major breakthrough came in 2019 at Wimbledon, where she defeated Venus Williams in the first round.
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What is Coco Gauff’s highest career ranking?
- As of July 2024, her highest career ranking is No. 2 in women’s singles.
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Has Coco Gauff won any Grand Slam titles?
- Yes, Coco Gauff won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 U.S. Open.
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What are some of Coco Gauff’s endorsement deals?
- Coco Gauff has endorsement deals with New Balance, Barilla, Bose, UPS, and Baker Tilly.
