Behind every phenom like Coco Gauff, there’s often an unsung hero, a guiding force who laid the groundwork long before the world knew their name. For Coco, that foundational architect is her father, Corey Gauff.1 More than just a parent, Corey – a former collegiate basketball player himself – meticulously designed a roadmap for his daughter’s success, instilling principles that transcend the tennis court and ultimately forged a Grand Slam champion.2
The Gauff family’s journey is one of immense sacrifice and unwavering belief.3 Corey and Coco’s mother, Candi (a former Division I track athlete), famously uprooted their lives, leaving behind their “dream home” in Atlanta and their careers (Corey as a healthcare executive, Candi as an educator) to move to Florida.4 This wasn’t a whim; it was a calculated decision driven by the understanding that Florida offered the best environment for elite tennis training. Extended family initially questioned their drastic move and Coco’s homeschooling, but Candi firmly “set them straight,” declaring their unwavering support for Coco’s dream.
Corey’s approach was never about pushing Coco into tennis; it was about fostering an innate drive.5 Inspired by Serena Williams’ 2010 Australian Open triumph, he bought a five-year-old Coco a small racquet. Her immediate connection to hitting against the garage wall signaled a nascent passion. But their philosophy was unique: they wanted to raise a well-rounded individual, not just a tennis machine.6 They encouraged Coco to play multiple sports – gymnastics, soccer, basketball, track – ensuring she developed as a complete athlete.
As Coco’s talent blossomed, Corey seamlessly transitioned into becoming her primary coach in her early years.7 His background as a college athlete gave him a distinct advantage, allowing him to “better understand the process” and avoid the pitfalls of overzealous sports parents.8 “You don’t feel like you’re running out of time, so you are not rushed. You kind of meet your kid where they are at,” he once explained. His emphasis was on injury prevention (“less is more”) and fostering an intrinsic love for the game. He famously never had to tell Coco to go to practice; she always wanted to.9
Even as Coco matured and sought outside coaching (like with Patrick Mouratoglou and later Brad Gilbert), Corey’s foundational influence remained paramount. He transitioned from on-court coaching to providing crucial emotional and strategic support from the sidelines (or, more recently, from the hallways, battling his own nerves during matches!). His ability to step back when Coco needed it, showing respect for her growing autonomy, proved to be another masterstroke.
Ultimately, Corey Gauff’s greatest gift to Coco wasn’t just physical training or tactical advice. It was the gift of a disciplined yet loving upbringing, a deep-seated belief in her potential, and the courage to make unconventional sacrifices.10 He built the stable, nurturing environment that allowed a prodigy to blossom into a French Open champion, proving that a father’s profound commitment can truly be the ultimate foundation for superstar success.11
