Coco Gauff, born on March 13, 2004, in Atlanta, Georgia, is an American professional tennis player who has rapidly ascended to prominence in the world of tennis. Known for her powerful play and remarkable composure, Gauff has achieved significant milestones at a young age, making her one of the most promising talents in the sport.
Early Life and Education
Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff was born to Candi and Corey Gauff, both originally from Delray Beach, Florida. Her father played college basketball at Georgia State University, while her mother was a track and field athlete at Florida State University. Gauff has two younger brothers, Codey and Cameron. The family initially resided in Atlanta, where Gauff began playing tennis at the age of six. Recognizing her potential, the family moved back to Delray Beach when she was seven to provide better training opportunities. Gauff’s parents made significant sacrifices for her career; her father became her primary coach despite limited tennis experience, and her mother managed her homeschooling to accommodate her rigorous training schedule. At the age of 10, Gauff began training at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France, run by Patrick Mouratoglou, who has coached Serena Williams. Mouratoglou was impressed by her determination and athleticism, noting her fighting spirit from a young age.
Personal Life
Gauff is a devout Christian and has been open about her faith. Since she was eight years old, she has prayed with her father before every match, asking for safety for both herself and her opponent. After winning the Cincinnati Open in August 2023, she publicly thanked her “Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” acknowledging the challenges she faced and expressing gratitude for her blessings. Following her first Grand Slam title in September 2023, she emphasized that she prays not for specific outcomes but for the strength to give her best effort.
Gauff’s tennis idols are Serena and Venus Williams, who inspired her to pick up a racquet. She first met Serena at the age of eight after winning the Little Mo national tournament and later interacted with her during a commercial shoot and at the Mouratoglou Academy. After defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019, Gauff expressed her gratitude, telling Venus, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the sport.”
In 2020, Gauff revealed that she had experienced depression and stress related to her sporting career, though her parents clarified that she had not been clinically diagnosed or sought medical attention for her psychological well-being. Outside of tennis, Gauff is a fan of anime, particularly “My Hero Academia.” In July 2023, she, along with actress Storm Reid, funded a new playground and tennis courts in East Atlanta’s Brownwood Park, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement.
Family
Gauff’s family has played a pivotal role in her development as a tennis player. Her father, Corey, transitioned from a career as a healthcare executive to become her primary coach, despite having limited tennis experience. He emphasized the importance of understanding the sports process to support Coco effectively. Her mother, Candi, a former educator, took charge of Gauff’s homeschooling, allowing for a flexible schedule that accommodated her training and travel commitments. Gauff has two younger brothers, Codey and Cameron, who are also involved in sports, reflecting the family’s athletic background.
Coco Gauff Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Age (as of 2025) | 21 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Tennis Player |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Playing Style | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Father’s Name | Corey Gauff |
| Mother’s Name | Candi Gauff |
| Siblings | Two younger brothers |
| Coach | Brad Gilbert, Jean-Christophe Faurel |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Grand Slam Titles | 1 (US Open 2023) |
| Career Titles (WTA) | 7 Singles, 8 Doubles |
| Highest Singles Ranking | No. 2 (2024) |
| Highest Doubles Ranking | No. 1 (2024) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $30 million |
| Endorsements | New Balance, Barilla, Head, Rolex, etc. |
Career
Gauff’s professional career has been marked by rapid progression and significant achievements.
Junior Career
Gauff began playing on the ITF Junior Circuit at the age of 13, quickly making a name for herself by reaching the finals in prestigious tournaments. In 2017, she became the youngest girls’ singles finalist in US Open history at the age of 13. The following year, she won her first junior Grand Slam title at the French Open, defeating her compatriot Caty McNally in the final. These accomplishments propelled her to the No. 1 junior ranking.
Professional Debut and Breakthrough
Gauff made her WTA Tour debut in March 2019 at the Miami Open. Later that year, she received a wildcard into the qualifying draw at Wimbledon, where she became the youngest player in the tournament’s history to qualify for the main draw. She gained international attention by defeating Venus Williams in the first round and reaching the fourth round. In October 2019, Gauff won her first WTA Tour singles title at the Linz Open in Austria, becoming the youngest WTA singles title-holder since 2004.
Continued Success and Grand Slam Achievements
In 2021, Gauff reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the French Open. The following year, she advanced to her first Grand Slam singles final at the 2022 French Open, finishing as the runner-up. In 2023, Gauff won her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, defeating world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets. This victory made her the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999. She also secured her first WTA 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open that year.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Gauff achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 2 and secured the WTA Finals singles title, becoming the youngest player to win the WTA Finals since Maria Sharapova in 2004. She also claimed the French Open women’s doubles title, showcasing her versatility on the court. In July 2024, Gauff was chosen by her Olympic
Playing Style and Coaching
Gauff plays right-handed with a two-handed backhand and is known for her aggressive playing style, powerful serve, and exceptional athleticism. Her favorite surface is hard court. Over the years, she has worked with several coaches to refine her game. In 2024, she began working with coach Matt Daly, focusing on improving her serve and forehand techniques.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall, Gauff possesses a commanding presence on the court. Her height, combined with her athletic build, contributes to her powerful serve and dynamic movement during matches. Her physical attributes, coupled with her agility and speed, make her a formidable opponent across various playing surfaces.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Coco Gauff’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This impressive figure is attributed to her tournament winnings, endorsements, and sponsorship deals with major brands such as New Balance and Barilla. Her financial success reflects her achievements on the court and her marketability as a global sports icon.
Social Media Presence
Coco Gauff maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with fans and sharing insights into her professional and personal life.
| Platform | Username | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @cocogauff | https://www.instagram.com/cocogauff/ | |
| @CocoGauff | https://twitter.com/CocoGauff | |
| Coco Gauff | https://www.facebook.com/CocoGauff/ |
Latest News
In February 2025, Gauff donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to establish a scholarship program for student-athletes playing competitive tennis at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This initiative underscores her commitment to education and supporting the Black community.
Coco Gauff’s journey from a young tennis enthusiast to a Grand Slam champion and influential figure in sports exemplifies her dedication, talent, and impact both on and off the court.
FAQs
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Is Coco Gauff adopted?
No, Coco Gauff is not adopted. She was born to her biological parents, Corey and Candi Gauff. -
What is Coco Gauff’s real name?
Her real name is Cori Dionne Gauff. -
Is Coco Gauff in a relationship?
As of 2025, Coco Gauff has not publicly confirmed being in a relationship. -
Why is Coco Gauff famous?
Coco Gauff is famous for being a professional tennis player who gained international attention at 15 by defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon 2019. She later won the 2023 US Open and became one of the top-ranked players in the world.
Coco Gauff’s rise in the world of tennis mirrors the extraordinary journeys of other legendary figures in their respective fields. Just as Ronnie O’Sullivan has dominated the world of snooker with his unparalleled skill and precision, Gauff has showcased immense talent and determination on the tennis court, making her a formidable competitor at a young age. Likewise, in the literary world, Salman Rushdie has left an indelible mark with his thought-provoking works, demonstrating how perseverance and talent can lead to global recognition.
