Introduction
Coco Gauff, a professional tennis sensation, has become one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis, capturing the 2023 U.S. Open title at just 19 years old. Hailed as the most promising American women’s tennis player since Serena Williams, Gauff’s meteoric rise to fame began in 2019 with a memorable victory over Venus Williams at Wimbledon. Known for her athleticism, determination, and advocacy, Gauff continues to inspire on and off the court.
Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cori Dionne Gauff |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Delray Beach, Florida, USA |
| Astrological Sign | Pisces |
| Age | 20 years (as of 2024) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Profession | Professional Tennis Player |
| Major Titles | 2023 U.S. Open (Singles), 2024 French Open (Doubles) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3.5 million (2024) |
Career
Early Years and Junior Success
Born in Delray Beach, Florida, Coco Gauff began playing tennis at age six, inspired by Serena Williams. By age 10, she was training under Patrick Mouratoglou, Williams’ coach. Gauff’s early talent was evident when she won the USTA Clay Court National 12-under title in 2014 and became the junior French Open champion in 2018.
Professional Debut and Breakthrough
Gauff made her professional debut in 2019, just after her 15th birthday, at the Miami Open. Later that year, she stunned the tennis world at Wimbledon by defeating her idol, Venus Williams, in the first round, sparking „Cocomania.“ She reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and the third round at the U.S. Open, becoming the youngest player to achieve such feats since 1991.
Rise Through the Ranks
Over the next few years, Gauff climbed the WTA rankings, capturing her first WTA singles title in Linz, Austria, in 2019. By 2021, she reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the French Open. In addition to singles success, Gauff excelled in doubles, often pairing with Jessica Pegula or Caty McNally, earning multiple titles and a No. 1 doubles ranking in 2022.
Grand Slam Glory
In 2023, Gauff won her first Grand Slam singles title at the U.S. Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. She followed this achievement with a doubles victory at the 2024 French Open, partnering with Katerina Siniaková. These victories solidified her status as one of the top players in the world.
Olympic Representation
Gauff’s Olympic journey began in 2021 when she was selected for the Tokyo Games but was sidelined by a COVID-19 diagnosis. She will represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, serving as a flag bearer alongside LeBron James at the opening ceremony.
Personal Life
Coco Gauff grew up in an athletic family; her father, Corey, played basketball at Georgia State University, and her mother, Candi, was a gymnast and track athlete at Florida State University. Coco has two younger brothers, Cameron and Cody. Her parents have been integral to her career, with her father serving as her coach and her mother managing her education.
While she prefers to keep her personal life private, Gauff has revealed she is in a relationship with an aspiring actor and musician from Atlanta. Off the court, she enjoys time with her family and her hobbies, including fashion and social media.
Notable Achievements
- 2023 U.S. Open Champion: Youngest American to win the title since Serena Williams in 1999.
- 2024 French Open Doubles Champion: Partnered with Katerina Siniaková.
- No. 1 Doubles Ranking (2022): Achieved with Jessica Pegula.
- WTA Singles Titles: 7 titles, including major tournaments in 2023 and 2024.
- Doubles Titles: 9 career titles.
- Olympic Flag Bearer (2024): Selected to lead Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
Current Activities
Coco Gauff is competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she is expected to play in both singles and doubles. As a top-ranked player, she continues to aim for Grand Slam success while balancing her advocacy efforts. Gauff remains an influential voice for social issues, including climate change and racial justice, often using her platform to raise awareness.
Off the court, Gauff’s endorsement portfolio includes partnerships with New Balance, Bose, and Barilla, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world. Her career prize money, combined with endorsement earnings, reflects her growing stature in the sport.
Coco Gauff’s rise from a young tennis prodigy to a Grand Slam champion and global icon exemplifies her resilience, talent, and determination. As she continues to break records and inspire future generations, Gauff cements her place as a defining figure in modern tennis.
