Coco Gauff, born as Cori Dionne Gauff, has ascended the ranks of professional tennis with extraordinary talent and grit. At just 20 years old, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her on-court prowess and off-court charisma. From being the youngest player to qualify for Wimbledon in the Open era to becoming a Grand Slam champion, Coco Gauff embodies passion, hard work, and relentless determination. She continues to redefine what it means to be a young athlete in modern tennis, inspiring millions to pursue their dreams.
This detailed biography explores Coco Gauff’s life journey, highlighting her early struggles, career milestones, achievements, and personal philosophy.
Early Life and Upbringing
Born on March 13, 2004, in Atlanta, Georgia, Coco Gauff grew up in Delray Beach, Florida. She comes from a family of athletes. Her father, Corey Gauff, played Division I basketball at Georgia State University, while her mother, Candi Gauff, was a track and field athlete at Florida State University. Their athletic background played a huge role in nurturing Coco Gauff’s sporting aspirations.
Encouraged to explore various sports as a child, Coco Gauff honed her versatility by participating in basketball, gymnastics, track, and tennis. However, at age 6, she developed a focused interest in tennis, inspired by Serena and Venus Williams. By the time she turned 10, she was enrolled in the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France, a decision that provided her with world-class training and a foundation for success. Her parents even left their careers—her mother became her educator while her father took up the role of her primary coach.
Key Early Achievement
At 10 years old, Coco Gauff won the USTA Clay Court National 12-under title, becoming the youngest champion in the tournament’s history. This win ignited her passion for tennis as a career and set the tone for her future achievements.
Professional Career Highlights
The Rise of a Star
Coco Gauff made her WTA Tour debut at just 15 years old at the 2019 Miami Open. Her breakthrough moment came later that year when she entered Wimbledon as the youngest qualifier in the Open era. Defying all odds, she defeated five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the first round, showcasing her extraordinary talent on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
From there, Coco Gauff’s career skyrocketed. That same year, she won her first WTA singles title at the Linz Open in Austria, becoming the youngest champion on the WTA Tour since 2004.
Major Achievements
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2022 French Open Finalist
She reached her first Grand Slam singles final at Roland Garros but fell to Iga Świątek. This runner-up finish solidified her place as one of the game’s emerging stars. -
2023 US Open Champion
Cementing her legacy, Coco Gauff captured her first Grand Slam singles title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open. This made her the youngest American to achieve this feat since Serena Williams in 1999. -
WTA Finals Champion (2024)
At the end of 2024, she defeated Zheng Qinwen to become the youngest WTA Finals champion since Maria Sharapova.
Doubling Success
Aside from her singles accomplishments, Coco Gauff has also excelled in doubles. She has consistently performed well, achieving the World No. 1 ranking in doubles in 2022. Her partnership with Jessica Pegula has produced multiple titles, including victories at the Miami Open and the French Open in 2024.
Net Worth and Financial Success
With an estimated net worth of $27.1 million as of 2024, Coco Gauff has built an enviable career both on and off the court. Her income predominantly comes from prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships. She has earned over $22 million in career prizemoney alone. She boasts endorsement deals with global brands such as New Balance, Head, Bose, Barilla, and UPS. Forbes ranked her among the highest-paid female athletes in both 2023 and 2024.
Personal Struggles and Resolving Challenges
Despite her fast rise to fame, Coco Gauff has been open about facing challenges, including the pressure of high expectations and personal stress. Before her Wimbledon success in 2019, she struggled with feelings of self-doubt and stress related to her early career. Over time, through introspection and a renewed focus, she overcame these hurdles, playing for herself rather than external expectations. Coco Gauff now exudes calmness and confidence, attributes visible in her playing style.
Another notable setback came during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), where Coco Gauff had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19. The disappointment didn’t deter her spirit; instead, she used it as motivation for future tournaments, a resilience that remains central to her philosophy.
Height, Weight, and Personal Details
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 135 pounds (61 kg)
- Residence: Delray Beach, Florida
Latest News
Coco Gauff continues to make headlines. Recently, she advanced to the second round of the 2025 Australian Open after defeating Britain’s Jodie Burrage in a highly anticipated match. Burrage had earlier vowed to challenge Coco Gauff, but Gauff showcased her impeccable skill yet again. Fans eagerly await her performance as she progresses through the tournament.
Table of Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cori Dionne Gauff |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 2004 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Net Worth (2024) | $27.1 million |
| Career Titles (Single) | 9 |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 135 pounds (61 kg) |
| Grand Slam Titles | 1 (2023 US Open) |
| WTA Doubles Titles | 9 |
| Latest Ranking (2024) | World No. 3 in Singles, No. 13 in Doubles |
Activism and Beyond
Outside of tennis, Coco Gauff uses her platform to advocate for issues such as racial equality, gender equity, and climate change. Her voice resonates with the younger generation, as she actively participates in rallies like Black Lives Matter and promotes sustainability through her social media.
Closing Thoughts
Coco Gauff represents unparalleled talent and determination in tennis. Despite being so young, her career is a compelling story of success, resilience, and advocacy. From her early days as a gifted junior player to her rise as a global tennis phenomenon, Coco Gauff is solidifying her status as an all-time great.
