Coco Gauff, a remarkable young tennis player, has gained international attention for her abilities and determination. She is only 20 years old and has won nine WTA singles and nine doubles titles. In 2023, she will become the youngest woman to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999. In November 2024, she added the WTA Finals singles title to her resume. Coco expressed emotional gratitude to her parents when reflecting on her success, saying, “Thank you, first, to my parents. Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry. Thank you guys, you believed in me from the beginning.”
Here’s an in-depth look at Coco Gauff’s parents and siblings, who are the foundation of her motivating story.
10 Things to Know About Coco Gauff’s Parents
1. Both Parents Were College Athletes
Coco Gauff’s athletic talent is rooted in her parents’ impressive sports backgrounds. Both Candi and Corey Gauff were accomplished athletes; Candi excelled as a heptathlete at Florida State University, while Corey played basketball at Georgia State University. Candi’s 1991 heptathlon score remains one of the best in FSU history. Corey believes their collegiate experiences have been invaluable in raising Coco, stating that having a sports background helps parents understand the competitive process better.
2. They Have Been Married for Over 20 Years
They tied the knot on January 13, 2001, and will mark their 23rd anniversary in 2024. In a heartfelt Instagram post for their 19th anniversary in 2020, Candi expressed her love, saying, “19 years and counting. Happy Anniversary to us. You and I already know the value we bring to each other and to our family. I love you, I love us, I love our life together.”
Later that year, they revisited the restaurant where they had their first date 24 years earlier. Their strong bond has been a foundation of support for their daughter Coco as she pursues her tennis career.
3. They Moved to Florida for Coco’s Tennis Career
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, the Gauff family relocated to Delray Beach, Florida, when Coco was eight years old. This move was strategic, aimed at providing Coco with better access to tennis training facilities and coaching opportunities.
4. Candi Gauff’s Homeschooled Coco
Candi Gauff made the decision to homeschool her daughter, Coco, to better support her burgeoning tennis career. Recognizing Coco’s potential at a young age, Candi left her teaching job and focused on providing a tailored education that allowed for more time dedicated to training. The Gauff family relocated from Atlanta back to Delray Beach, Florida, to be closer to their extended family and resources that could assist Coco’s development as an athlete.
5. They Have Three Children
Coco Gauff is not the only child in her family; she has two younger brothers, Codey and Cameron.
Codey Gauff (17 years old)
Codey Gauff, born on September 21, 2007, is pursuing a career in baseball. While he supports Coco’s tennis journey, he is focused on making his own mark in sports.
Cameron Gauff (11 years old)
Cameron Gauff, the youngest sibling, was born on June 5, 2013. He enjoys playing a variety of sports, including tennis, basketball, and football, and shares his siblings’ passion for athletics.
6. They are coco’s Great Supporters
Candi and Corey Gauff have always been Coco’s biggest supporters. Coco mentioned on CBS This Morning in 2019, “They kind of hype me up. When I feel tight during a match, I look at them, and they give me fist pumps, showing me everything is going to be okay.”
Their support was particularly evident during the Dubai Tennis Championships in February 2024. After a disagreement with an umpire over a disputed point, Coco argued that her serve was in, but the umpire called it out. Despite the tension, Coco ultimately replayed the point and won the match.
Her father, Corey, praised her on Instagram for being respectful while standing up for herself
7. Corey Gauff Was Coco’s First Coach
Despite his background in basketball, Corey took on the role of Coco’s first tennis coach. He dedicated himself to studying the sport extensively, learning from tennis legends like Venus and Serena Williams to effectively guide his daughter
Are Candi and Corey still involved in Coco’s career?
Yes, while Corey has stepped back from full-time coaching, both parents remain actively involved in supporting Coco. Corey continues to provide insights and scouting reports, while Candi offers emotional support as a mother.
