The story of Coco Gauff’s ascent to tennis fame cannot be separated from her parents, Candi and Corey Gauff, and their unwavering support. Their incredible symphony of support and sacrifice from collegiate athletes to full-time parent coaches has changed conventional parenting models in the sports industry.
Both Candi and Corey participated in collegiate athletics; Candi excelled as a heptathlete at Florida State, while Corey played basketball at Georgia State. They had a very clear understanding of competition, pressure, and discipline because of their common athletic background. They saw their daughter’s potential and knew how to develop it in a sustainable and intelligent way.
Coco Gauff and Her Parents – At a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff |
| Birthdate | March 13, 2004 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Parents | Corey Gauff (father), Candi Gauff (mother) |
| Siblings | Codey Gauff, Cameron Gauff |
| Grand Slam Titles | US Open 2023, French Open 2025 |
| Career-High Rank | World No. 2 in singles, No. 1 in doubles (WTA) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
The Gauffs made a daring change after realizing Coco’s extraordinary potential: they quit their jobs, moved from Atlanta to Florida, and centered their entire existence around her tennis goals. While Candi turned her attention to homeschooling and mental health, Corey took over as head coach. Prioritizing growth and holistic development without sacrificing stability was a very effective realignment of family priorities.
But their assistance has never come across as intrusive. Coco frequently highlights how much her parents value her opinions. After winning the French Open in 2023, she revealed that she had asked her father to resign as her coach, a decision he fully supported. She emphasized how that mutual trust created space for both professional and personal development when she stated, “It turned out to be a great choice for both of us.”
Coco, who yearned for the balance of female presence in a male-dominated team, also asked her mother to join her on tour more frequently. She acknowledged that she needed “some estrogen, some female energy,” demonstrating how emotionally astute her parents have been in forming her support system.
Married since 2001, their long-lasting relationship has provided Coco and her brothers, Codey and Cameron, with an emotional support system. The couple, who are celebrating more than 20 years of marriage, continue to set an example of stability and respect for one another by reminiscing about their first date night and constantly putting the needs of the family first.
Candi’s attendance at Coco’s matches serves a profoundly grounding purpose in addition to being symbolic. Coco’s mental game benefits greatly from the quiet strength she exudes as well as her understanding of athletic performance. It is described by observers as “incredibly versatile” support that blends technical know-how with emotional grit.
The Gauffs have achieved success by emphasizing a growth mindset rather than imposing a strict vision. Corey made it clear to Teen Vogue that although Coco’s fame came quickly, her whole story was one of sustained work rather than overnight stardom. He emphasized the cumulative nature of diligence and tenacity by saying, “She’s not an overnight success.”
The Gauff family dynamic has been compared to stories about high-pressure sports parenting by fans and commentators. Instead of relentlessly pushing, they have fostered in Coco self-reliance, emotional intelligence, and self-management—qualities that are highly relevant in the current conversation about athlete development.
Coco has publicly and sincerely acknowledged her parents at significant events, such as when she upset Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 or when she became the first teen to win both the French Open and the U.S. Open. Her emotional arc came full circle when she thanked them with tears after winning the 2023 U.S. Open, recalling how she had once watched Serena and Venus with her father.
At the 2025 French Open, the scene was repeated, and pictures of her parents’ tearful celebrations in the stands struck a deep chord. These pictures were more than just family photos; they were evidence of cooperation and a connection created by a common goal.
Their narrative provides a contemporary guide for raising talented kids that is flexible, purposeful, and well-informed. Instead of allowing ambition to overshadow their bond, they created a network of support that develops alongside Coco, occasionally taking a backseat and other times taking the lead, but always sticking by one another.
