Coco Gauff may be the face of the future in women’s tennis, but behind her meteoric rise stands a family whose dedication, sacrifice, and unshakable belief helped mold her into a global phenomenon. While Coco dazzles on the court, the untold story is how her parents, Corey and Candi Gauff, gave up their own dreams and comfort to make hers a reality.
From a young age, it was clear Coco had something special. But talent alone doesn’t make a champion—it takes vision, resources, and incredible commitment. Recognizing their daughter’s potential, Corey and Candi made bold, life-changing decisions to fully invest in Coco’s journey.
Corey Gauff, a former Division I basketball player at Georgia State University, worked in the healthcare industry. Candi, a track and field star at Florida State University, was an educator. When Coco began showing exceptional promise on the tennis court, they made a monumental decision: Corey left his job to become Coco’s full-time coach and manager, while Candi began homeschooling their daughter to accommodate the rigorous training and travel schedule.
This wasn’t a move made lightly. The Gauffs sacrificed stable careers, financial security, and time for themselves—all to give Coco the environment she needed to succeed. They uprooted their lives, traveling with Coco to tournaments and training sessions across the country. Every decision was centered around Coco’s development, from moving to tennis hubs to surrounding her with the best coaches and mentors possible.
Beyond the financial and professional sacrifices, they also bore the emotional weight of placing their child in an intense, competitive spotlight from an early age. The pressure of expectations, the media attention, and the physical demands of high-level sports can be overwhelming—but through it all, the Gauff family stood firm and united.
Despite the high stakes, the Gauffs have managed to maintain a sense of balance and normalcy. They’ve raised Coco to stay humble, focused, and grounded—traits that shine through in her interviews and interactions. Coco herself often credits her parents not only for their sacrifices but for shaping her into the confident, disciplined, and resilient person she is today.
Coco Gauff didn’t become a tennis star overnight. Her journey was built on the love, sweat, and selfless dedication of her parents. Their story isn’t just about raising an athlete—it’s about unconditional belief and the power of family. And that, more than any trophy, is the real win behind Coco Gauff’s success.
