Coco Gauff, the world No. 2 tennis star and 2023 US Open champion, recently revealed a deep familial tie to American baseball history during a press conference following her quarterfinal run at the Cincinnati Open on August 15, 2025. The 21-year-old, known for her athletic prowess and versatility, shared that her love for baseball stems from her family’s significant contributions to the sport, particularly through her grandfather, Eddie “Red” Odom, and her brother, Codey Gauff.
Gauff’s grandfather founded the Delray Beach American Little League in 1970, a nonprofit organization that brought organized baseball to predominantly African-American neighborhoods in Florida, one of the first such leagues in the state. Gauff spoke fondly of her childhood involvement, stating, “I grew up volunteering. My grandfather founded a little league in Delray, and it’s still running to this day. I would sit and do the score sheet at the press box for games.” This experience not only deepened her appreciation for baseball but also taught her patience, a trait she credits to the sport’s often lengthy games, which can extend beyond three hours in extra innings.
Her brother, Codey Gauff, is an emerging baseball talent, recently committing to Mizzou Baseball and earning praise as “the next wave of talent” by Andscape. Coco frequently supports Codey’s endeavors on social media, showcasing the family’s tight-knit bond. She also highlighted her grandfather’s passion, noting, “He’s a hardcore baseball fan, always at the stadium 2-3 hours early for batting practice and stays till the end, even past nine innings.” Gauff herself attended a Cincinnati Reds game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park, expressing her preference for watching baseball live, saying, “I’m definitely someone who prefers to watch baseball in person than on TV. It can be boring, not going to lie, but a good ballpark makes it a great time.”
Gauff’s connection to baseball complements her multifaceted athletic background. Raised in a sports-loving family, her parents encouraged cross-training in basketball, track, beach volleyball, soccer, and even fencing, fostering her remarkable athleticism. This versatility has been key to her tennis success, including her recent 6-2, 6-4 win over Lucia Bronzetti at the Cincinnati Open, positioning her for a quarterfinal clash with Jasmine Paolini. Gauff’s 19 quarterfinal appearances in WTA 1000 events before age 22 rank her third all-time, surpassing her idol Serena Williams’ 18.
Her story parallels other athletes’ strategic choices, like Emma Raducanu’s intense US Open training post-Cincinnati or Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin leading Australia’s Davis Cup charge. Gauff’s baseball ties, rooted in her grandfather’s legacy and her brother’s rising career, highlight her deep connection to American sports history, enriching her narrative as she pursues a second Cincinnati Open title.[]
