The Foundation of a Champion: Coco Gauff's Parents
Long before the world witnessed her brilliance on the tennis court, Coco Gauff's parents, Corey and Candi Gauff, were the architects of her destiny. Their unwavering belief and monumental sacrifices laid the groundwork for a career that would captivate global audiences. When Coco stunned Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019, it appeared as a sudden emergence to outsiders, but within the Gauff family, it was the fulfillment of a promise made years earlier.
A Promise Fulfilled at Wimbledon
"My dad told me I could do this when I was eight, and obviously, you never believe it," Coco reflected during that transformative summer. This moment was not merely a victory; it was a validation of the faith her parents had instilled in her from the earliest days. Corey and Candi had already restructured their entire lives around a conviction that their daughter was still learning to embrace fully.
As Coco's career ascended, with triumphs growing more significant and the spotlight intensifying, her parents remained steadfast pillars of support. They witnessed her historic 2023 US Open victory, her first Grand Slam title, through tears of disbelief and overwhelming pride. "Thank you, first, to my parents. Today was the first time I've ever seen my dad cry," Coco expressed emotionally. "Thank you guys, you believed in me from the beginning. My dad took me to this tournament. [I watched] Venus and Serena compete, so it's really incredible to be on this stage." This victory was not solely hers; it belonged to the entire Gauff family.
The Athletic Lineage and Sacrifices
Corey and Candi's deep understanding of sports predated Coco's first encounter with a tennis racket. Corey played college basketball at Georgia State, while Candi excelled in track and field at Florida State, where her heptathlon score remains among the program's elite records. This athletic background provided them with invaluable perspective and patience, essential qualities for nurturing a young prodigy.
"I think it helps parents when they have played as high as college or even pro," Corey noted. "You better understand the process, and so you don’t get too jittery about it. 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."
Their commitment led to decisions that many parents would hesitate to make. When Coco was in second grade, they relocated from Atlanta to Delray Beach to facilitate her serious training. Candi relinquished her teaching career to homeschool their daughter, and Corey eventually abandoned his healthcare profession to coach her full-time. He once humorously remarked that they transitioned from a single income to no income, yet this gamble never felt reckless—it was deemed absolutely necessary.
Steadfast Belief Through Accelerating Success
As Coco's career accelerated, her parents' belief remained unshakable. She clinched the title of youngest champion at the DC Open in 2023, triumphed in Cincinnati, and soon after hoisted the US Open trophy. In 2025, when she added the French Open to her accolades, her mother reflected on the resilience behind the achievement. "She never gave up, she fought to the end, and she allowed herself to hold up the trophy."
At home, Coco is an integral part of a close-knit, competitive family that includes her younger brothers, Cody and Cameron. Her parents have consistently reminded their children of their inherent potential. "You come from a lineage who has done great things. We wouldn’t put [anything] on you that hasn’t been done [already]," Candi emphasized.
The Personal Dynamics and Enduring Support
Even amidst the pinnacle of success, Corey manages his nerves in unique ways, sometimes opting to pace the halls rather than watch matches directly. Coco understands this dynamic intimately. "He has some reactions where if I look in the box I want positivity and I will see him go like this [head in hand] or [slap his thigh]," she admitted. "He does not mean it. So after Wimbledon I lost first round [in 2023] and was like, ‘Okay dad, we both agreed that you shouldn’t sit in the box. We can go at it, because I just can’t with the reactions.’"
While the world celebrates her trophies and accolades, Coco Gauff continues to see the same two individuals who, long ago, assured her of her capabilities. Their journey—marked by sacrifice, belief, and unwavering support—remains the cornerstone of her remarkable ascent in the world of tennis.
