“Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry,” those heartfelt words from Coco Gauff after her 2023 US Open triumph still echo in the hearts of fans, while her parents watched their girl from the stands. That tearful moment was just one of many that define the Gauff family’s unwavering support. From Coco’s iconic win over Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 to title victories in China and Saudi Arabia, her parents, especially mom, Candi Gauff, have remained a constant presence courtside. Now, as Coco grinds through the European clay season, the 54-year-old opens up about the realities of parenting on tour, where the excitement of travel meets the emotional rollercoaster of elite competition!
Candi Gauff has long been a pillar of strength for Coco Gauff, both on and off the court. After clinching the 2024 China Open last year, Coco looked toward the stands and said, “It’s great to have my mom. She’s my biggest fan for sure.” From cheering courtside during the WTA Finals in Riyadh to celebrating with the trophy at the court, Candi has stood by her daughter through every high. Off the court as well, their bond is just as powerful.
Candi accompanied Coco to the 97th Academy Awards, turning heads in a floor-length, one-shoulder, grey gown that radiated elegance. They even spent Valentine’s Day together, a testament to their close-knit relationship. And now, as Coco is gaining her last year’s form at her European clay-court swing, Candi has opened up about one of the most intriguing aspects of tennis parenting while her child is on the tour throughout the year!
One of the popular tennis fan pages on IG, “Le Tweener”, recently featured a heartwarming video of Candi Gauff taken during the Madrid Open. In the clip, Candi was asked what it’s like being a parent on tour. “I started picking up being full time with her last year because we have two other children so we divide our time. My husband and I with her,” she shared, reflecting on the balance she and her husband strike while supporting Coco’s tennis journey.
Candi spoke candidly about the rhythms of life on the road later. “Life can be exciting, but it can also be boring because you are sitting around, waiting for matches to start,” she admitted. But the 54-year-old also highlighted the unique perks of the tennis lifestyle: “But the tennis has the opportunity to see places that I never would have visited before. I would never been seen to Saudi Arabia, and I went there last year. She end up winning the WTA Finals, so that was exciting. A country that I would never visited.”
When asked about her favorite destinations, she didn’t hesitate to praise the charm of the Southern Hemisphere. “Australia. I really like Melbourne, as far as tournament wise, Melbourne, Australia is one of the best,” she said. Of course, she also gave a loving nod to her home country as well: “Of course, US Open, New York, yeah, because it’s home and I get to see a lot of Broadway shows. The city is 24/7. So a lot to do.”
And while Candi continues to embrace her role as Coco’s mom, Coco once opened up about the first time she ever argued with her.
Coco Gauff opened up about her first disagreement with her mom
During a press conference at the 2024 Wuhan Open last year, Coco Gauff opened up about the unwavering support she receives from her parents, especially highlighting the unique and close bond she shares with her mother, Candi. Their connection, she shared, is rooted in both affection and companionship, especially during long trips across the world.
“Yeah, I mean, both my parents are constant support all the time. My mom, it’s just a motherly thing. There’s nothing like a mother-daughter relationship. Especially in swings like Asia where it maybe is more isolated than usual, we just play Uno a lot,” Gauff said.
She also noted how rare disagreements were between them, though they did have a moment recently. “Yesterday I think was the first time we argued a little bit because we spend too much time with each other. It wasn’t an argument, but we just get annoyed,” she added.
As the 4th seed now gears up for her next challenge at the Italian Open, she’ll be facing Magda Linette, who previously bested her in Miami.
With her mother by her side once again, will Rome be the stage where Coco lifts her first title this year?
The post “Also Be Boring”- Coco Gauff’s Mom Reveals the Paradox of Parent Life on the WTA Tour appeared first on EssentiallySports.
