“It’s great to have my mom. She’s my biggest fan, for sure,” Coco Gauff said at the 2024 Wuhan Open, referencing the comforting presence of her mother, Candi, courtside. But behind the scenes, it’s her father, Corey Gauff, who has often been the steady anchor. Who could forget his timely pep talk at the 2019 Linz Open final? “Just relax, you’re not going to sprint to the finish line. We’re going to walk to the finish line, okay?” he said. That advice helped a then-15-year-old Coco defeat Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko and win her first WTA title. And now, with her 2025 season off to a rocky start, her father has stepped in again—with an emotional Easter gesture.
After a strong showing at the Australian Open earlier this year, where she reached the quarterfinals, Gauff’s momentum has faltered. She has suffered early-round exits at four consecutive events—Qatar, Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami—and continues to struggle with her serve, having racked up more than 120 double faults, the most on the WTA tour this season. Her most recent disappointment came at the Stuttgart Open, where she fell in straight sets (4-6, 3-6) to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinals. It was the second year in a row she exited Stuttgart at that stage.
During times like these, a few heartfelt words from a loved one can go a long way. This Easter, Coco took to Instagram to share a snapshot that included a bouquet, some Kinder Joy chocolates, and a handwritten note from her dad. The message read:
“Happy Easter. Your work will pay off. God got you and so do I. Love, Dad.”
Her reaction? Pure emotion. “My dad 😢 is the best,” she wrote.
This isn’t the first time Corey has lifted his daughter with meaningful words. After Coco’s candid confession in 2023 about going through a “dark” phase following her shock first-round Wimbledon exit to Sofia Kennin, Corey took to social media with a powerful message on growth and resilience.
When Corey Gauff Helped Coco Rise From Her Lowest Point
Following that Wimbledon loss, Gauff rebounded in historic fashion, claiming her maiden Grand Slam title just two months later at the US Open—defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final to become the first American teen since Serena Williams in 1999 to win in New York.
In 2024, she returned to Wimbledon with a vengeance, making it to the fourth round. After her first-round victory, Gauff reflected on her journey:
“Oh, man, I wish a year ago, me after that match could see me now,” she said. “That was a tough moment for me… I think the first two, three weeks after that, I was really in a dark place.”
She added:
“I’m glad I used that moment to just strive to get better. A bad moment doesn’t last forever.”
Corey responded with a message on Instagram that many fans saw as a blueprint for positive parenting:
“As you go through life it’s supposed to have highs and lows, but never stay low too long. If not for the rain, would you appreciate the sunny days?”
He continued:
“This is what growth looks like. If you try to do the right things every day, you will improve and succeed.”
With her father’s latest Easter message, Coco may have just received the emotional reset she needs.
What do you think?
Can Corey Gauff’s unwavering support help Coco regain her form and confidence on the court?
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