Meet Coco Gauff’s Parents, Candi and Corey Gauff

Coco Gauff, the young tennis sensation, has achieved remarkable success at a remarkably young age, and behind her triumphs are her devoted parents, Candi and Corey Gauff. The couple has played an instrumental role in Coco’s journey since she was a toddler, dedicating their lives to nurture her promising talent.

Married in 2001, Candi and Corey Gauff seemed destined for athletic greatness long before Coco came along. Corey showcased his skills on the basketball court at Georgia State University while Candi excelled as a track and field athlete at Florida State University. Notably, her performance in the heptathlon in 1991 remains one of the best in the university’s history. Understanding the rigours of sport, they decided to give up their careers and focus on raising a champion.

Coco was born on March 13, 2004, and from an early age, she demonstrated a profound admiration for tennis. When she was just eight years old, her father encouraged her ambitions, assuring her she could succeed in the sport. “My dad told me I could do this when I was 8, and obviously, you never believe it,” Coco later recounted after a stunning victory at Wimbledon in 2019. This unwavering support has been a cornerstone of her development.

Recognising Coco’s potential, the Gauffs made significant sacrifices to pave the way for her success. They left their life in Atlanta to return to their hometown of Delray Beach, Florida, where they could draw on family support. Candi, a former teacher, took the brave step of homeschooling Coco, allowing her to dedicate herself wholly to the sport. Meanwhile, Corey shifted his career from a healthcare executive to serve as Coco’s head coach. He humorously described the transition from a “single-income family” to one with no income, illustrating the substantial risks they took.

Over the years, Coco evolved, and so did her relationship with her father. In an interview, she reflected on the challenges of their father-daughter dynamic and how it matured. “When I turned, I would say, 12 or 13, we used to argue,” she admitted. The emotional demands of the sport often led to friction, but they have since learned to communicate better, with Candi often stepping in as the mediator during heated discussions.

Candi and Corey have not only directed their attention towards Coco; they have also nurtured the sporting aspirations of her two younger brothers, Codey and Cameron. Codey, born in 2007, plays baseball and is committed to the University of Missouri. Cameron, the youngest, was born in 2013, shortly after the family moved back to Florida. The Gauffs instilled in all their children the importance of pursuing their passions. Candi once expressed pride in their lineage of achievement, encouraging their children to strive for greatness.

As Coco’s reputation has grown, her parents have remained her steadfast supporters. In a recent interview, she spoke about how her parents energise her during matches. “When I feel a little bit tight during a match, I look at them because they just give me fist pumps, so that just shows me that everything’s going to be okay,” Coco said, highlighting their role as her emotional anchors.

Despite the pressures of competition, Corey prefers not to be in the stands during Coco’s matches, as he fears his nervous energy might affect her performance. This allows him to manage his anxiety while Coco competes, choosing instead to enjoy music and explore the venue to mitigate his stress, thus placing focus back on Coco’s game.

Candi and Corey’s commitment to their daughter’s tennis career and family life showcases the dedication that has shaped Coco Gauff into a formidable athlete. With every serve and every competitive match she faces, their sacrifices and love resonate deeply, evidencing a partnership that has cultivated a bright star in the world of tennis.