Cori "Coco" Gauff, born on March 13, 2004, in Delray Beach, Florida, is an American professional tennis player who rose to international prominence as a teenager. Gauff began playing tennis at a young age, guided by her athletic parents; her father, Corey Gauff, played college basketball, and her mother, Candi, was a track and field athlete.
Gauff gained widespread attention in 2019 when, at just 15 years old, she received a wild card entry into the Wimbledon Championships qualifying rounds. She became the youngest player in the Open Era to qualify for the Wimbledon main draw and made headlines by defeating her idol, Venus Williams, in the first round. Gauff advanced to the fourth round before losing to eventual champion Simona Halep, marking her as a rising star in the tennis world.
Her success continued as she made her debut in other Grand Slam tournaments, showcasing her powerful baseline game and maturity on the court. Gauff claimed her first WTA singles title in October 2019 at the Linz Open, becoming the youngest singles titleholder on the WTA Tour since 2004. In addition to her singles success, she has demonstrated impressive skills in doubles, winning several WTA doubles titles with partner Caty McNally.
In 2021, Gauff reached the quarterfinals of the French Open, one of her deepest runs in a Grand Slam event, signaling her growing prowess on clay. Her performances have consistently boosted her rankings, solidifying her status among the top players in women’s tennis.
Beyond her on-court talents, Gauff is known for her poise and outspoken nature. She has used her platform to advocate for issues such as racial equality and social justice, echoing her desire to be a role model both on and off the court.
In her personal life, Gauff continues to balance her burgeoning tennis career with her education and interests outside of sports. She is part of a close-knit family that supports her ambitions and helps navigate her career trajectory, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a life beyond tennis.
