Corey Gauff is a true girl dad! When Coco Gauff won her first Grand Slam, the very first words out of her mouth were, “Thank you, first, to my parents. Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry.” The father-daughter duo used to visit Flushing Meadows to watch the Williams sisters compete, and it was a surreal moment for the Gauff family when Coco lifted the sterling silver trophy in August 2023. Blazing a trail in the racquet sport with her own flair, the 20-year-old gets the athletic genes from her dad!
On the occasion of Father’s Day, she took to her Instagram account to share a beautiful message for Corey, who has been her strength from day one, even today when she dominates the tennis world. The tennis prodigy celebrated her dad on Father’s Day by posting touching comments on Instagram. She shared stories featuring the caption, “Happy Father’s Day to the best dad ever. I love you so much!”
Along with that, she shared a beautiful picture of herself with Corey Gauff, in which both of them were dressed elegantly. While her father was wearing a blazer, Coco herself donned an outstanding purple ruffled dress. In addition, the Grand Slam champion also shared another story, in which her father, was seen posing with a picture of the tennis sensation. With that, she wrote, “girl dad,” highlighting the special bond they share.
Furthermore, Gauff’s mother also wrote an emotional message to her husband on Instagram, praising him for being both her best friend and the father of their three children. Candi Gauff conveyed her love and appreciation for him being in their life, highlighting their strong relationship with the poignant words “Always and Forever.”
The 20-year-old tennis player’s father has shaped her career path significantly since she was a little child. He approached her training with rigor and strategy, having played collegiate basketball himself, so she grew both cognitively and physically. “I think it helps parents when they have played as high as college or even pro,” he said once. “You better understand the process, and so you don’t get too jittery about it…You kind of meet your kid where they are at.”
The Gauff parentals quit their jobs when Coco reached second grade. It was clear that she was destined for greater things in the athletic world and tennis was her calling. Corey and Candi moved back to Delray Beach from Atlanta, and Corey eventually became his daughter’s head coach. He even joked in an interview once how the family quickly went from being “a single-income family” to a “no-income family”. But it’s undeniable that their sacrifices helped Coco Gauff reach World No. 2 today.
Interestingly, even though Corey Gauff plays a crucial role in her tennis career, he avoids attending her tennis matches. Because he’s superstitious!
Gauff revealed how sometimes it can also be a source of stress, especially when her father is present there. She further explained why she prefers her “emotional father” to watch her game from a distance.
Coco Gauff reasons Corey’s absence from her matches
A few months ago, Coco Gauff made an open admission on the impact her father’s actions had on her gaming. “My dad doesn’t give the best reactions in the box,” said the World No. 2 player. Corey, who is renowned for being expressive, allegedly uses his “frustrated dad in the stands” gestures, such as stomping his feet and waving his arms, which diverts Gauff.
The last Wimbledon was probably his final appearance in her box, Coco stated, because, “Yeah I mean I am not superstitious at all (but) he’s incredibly superstitious.”
She further, went on, “He’s a very emotional person,” in reference to her father’s strong feelings. “Sometimes when I lose a point, the first thing I look at is the box,” Gauff acknowledged. “And there’s something more reassuring seeing somebody clapping.” As Coco moves up the ladder, her games are only going to get more intense. And her dad might be watching each of them through the safety of a TV screen always!
How are you celebrating Father’s Day today? Let us know in the comments below!
