No. 2 seed Coco Gauff gets favorable draw at French Open. Other key observations.

When Coco Gauff, as a 15-year-old from Delray Beach, Florida, famously defeated Venus Williams at the 2019 Wimbledon as a wildcard, she instantly became a global sensation. Her deep connection to her roots is no secret, often highlighted by her tribute to her hometown and now her latest New Balance drop – the “Delray Coco” kicks. But this connection runs deeper than mere sentiment. As her mother, Candi, once stated in a Teen Vogue interview, “[Coco] has a responsibility. You come from a lineage who has done great things. We wouldn’t put [anything] on you that hasn’t been done [already].” Gauff proudly carries this legacy. But where did it start?

The 21-year-old appeared on the $10.7 billion brand Rolex’s YouTube channel in an exclusive documentary series, ‘Game Changer’. She walks us through her beginnings as a tennis player. What inspired her? Telling her father she wanted to be a ‘GOAT’ after watching Serena Williams at the Australian Open at five or six years old. A heartwarming moment comes when she speaks about her grandparents, Yvonne Lee and Eddie “Red” Odom.

She said, “Growing up, it was never a thought for me to be a professional tennis player. Especially in the Black community, even now, tennis is still so uncommon. This is Atlantic High School. My grandmother, she was the first Black person to attend this school. She’s kind of a local legend. To make big things happen, I think it takes people to change. My grandfather, he’s a baseball coach. He helps run Delray Beach Little League, one of the first African American leagues in the state of Florida.” But how did they pave the way in Delray Beach?

Coco Gauff’s grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, faced tough challenges but never backed down. In 1961, she became the first Black student at Delray Beach’s Seacrest High School. Despite segregation, she stood strong, even when banned from a bus or told not to use the same restrooms. Though a sprinter and basketball captain, she was denied a chance to play at Seacrest because of her race, shattering her dream of a college sports scholarship. Still, she never gave up fighting.

Her grandfather, Eddie Odom, has his own story. A baseball lover, he made a big impact in Delray Beach’s American Little League. In 1970, Eddie started a Little League for Black kids, giving them a chance to play organized baseball. “Everyone who knew me on both sides of the track, they understand I love baseball,” Eddie said. “You can be broke, mad, or all the worst things, but at the ballpark, you forget it all.”

Inspired by her family, Coco gives back, too. In her docuseries with Rolex, she noted, “You can inspire people to do things not just from playing, but who you are as a person. My grandparents, they played their role so that I can live my life. I feel like I have to play my role, so somebody else can live a better life.”

During Black History Month, she donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to support HBCUs. She said, “My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going back to my great, great grandfather.” From May 2025, the “Coco Gauff Scholarship Program” will award scholarships to tennis students through UNCF.

Back in December, she celebrated them winning the Community Lifetime Achievement Award. She shared a heartfelt photo on Instagram with the caption, “community lifetime achievement award 💜 no one more deserving @yvonne.odom my grandparents >>>.” Family pride at its best!

Clearly, her grandparents’ strength and love fuel her success on and off the court. But they don’t hold back on cheering her on through her career either!

Gauff’s grandparents express their pride in the American star

At just 21, Coco already boasts 9 titles, including her epic 2023 US Open victory! While she hasn’t clinched a title since winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh and the United Cup with Team USA, she’s still making strides in her 2025 season. Reaching two finals back to back in Madrid and the Italian Open, she’s now the No. 2 ranked player in the world. And her grandmother always knew she’d be great. She said in a post on social media, “Coco, to me, was destined for greatness because as a little girl, she displayed that in many ways. I love you, you know I always say I love you, but do your best.”

Last year, Coco made history as the youngest US flag bearer at the Olympics Ceremony and clinched the WTA Finals! After a rollercoaster six years, what’s Grandma’s advice? “You know I’ve always said that because if you do your best, win or lose, I might not care if you win another match, you already made me proud. So always, do your best. Like your grandaddy said, ‘Never say die,’” she shared.

The Gauff family is bursting with pride! In August 2024 , her grandfather flaunted Coco’s New Balance T-shirt (the $5.3 billion sponsor) on Instagram. The shirt featured Coco chowing down on pizza in New York, and he captioned it, “Look at the new COCO SHIRT… PIZZA in New York..” He’s always so proud of the young tennis star.

Now, with her sights set on a French Open Grand Slam, will Coco conquer, fueled by her community and family’s love? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Italian Open 2025: Coco Gauff said that she needs to work on her game before the French Open after losing back-to-back finals on clay in Madrid and Rome.

Coco Gauff acknowledges that there is one crucial part of her game that is “something I know I have to improve and do better” following the Italian Open final.

The American reached back-to-back WTA 1000 finals as she lost in the Madrid Open final against Aryna Sabalenka at the beginning of May before going down against Jasmine Paolini at Foro Italico a fortnight later.

After surviving a three-hour, three-setter against Zheng Qinwen in the semi-final in Italy, Gauff was no match for the local hero in the final as Paolini won 6-4, 6-2.

There is no doubt Gauff was her own worst enemy, but she was quick to point out that her opponent forced her to make errors.

“Jasmine played I think great tennis today. I think it was one of her best levels today. I also didn’t play my best level. I think it’s both,” she said.

“It’s not to discredit my opponent. She forced me to play that way. Yeah, maybe I could have served better and put more balls in the court, could play better. I definitely could and can.”

Gauff served seven double faults in the final and 15 in the semi-final while her total unforced error count against Paolini was an astonishing 55 to go with the 70 against Zheng.

Asked if she was slightly concerned by those figures, the 21-year-old replied: “Yes and no. I knew today I was trying to be more aggressive because I felt like if I was being passive, she would run me across the court.

“I think for me I guess, yeah, with the double-faults, it’s something I know I have to improve and do better. If I want to make it to the next level, it’s definitely something I have to improve.

“Unforced errors? I mean, I was just going for my shots. In the semi, I mean, there is context behind that in the semi-final. The court was super slow. We were both missing balls. It’s not so easy to hit a winner. The only way to win the points is to force your opponent to make an error or they make an unforced error.

“Today I think it was just a tough day for me.”

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But there is no doubt Gauff’s performances in Madrid and Rome will give her a boost ahead of the French Open where she will be seeded second behind world No 1 Sabalenka.

She reached the semi-final at Roland Garros last year, the quarter-final in 2023 and finished runner-up to Iga Swiatek in 2022.

“I think it’s both confidence and motivation to do better. Hopefully I can get to the final in Roland Garros and maybe the ‘third time is a charm’ thing is a real thing. That’s looking so far ahead,” the American said.

“Overall I lost to two quality opponents, Aryna in Madrid and Jasmine here. So yeah, I think I have a lot to improve, a lot that I can work on.

“I made the final with those errors. Made the final maybe not playing my best tennis. It just gives me confidence if I can find that good form heading into Roland Garros, I can do well there.”

Coco Gauff’s Epic Midnight Triumph in Madrid Ignites Fans into a Frenzy!

The tennis sensation Coco Gauff has once again left the world in awe with her remarkable performance at the Mutua Madrid Open. In a thrilling showdown against Dayana Yastremska, Gauff displayed her unwavering determination and fighting spirit as she clawed her way back from a disastrous 0-6 first set to claim victory with a stunning 0-6, 6-2, 7-5 comeback.

With the support of her loyal fans echoing in the midnight air, Gauff’s indomitable spirit shone through as she battled against her opponent and the odds. The World No. 4’s resilience and skill on the clay court have solidified her reputation as one of the brightest stars in the tennis world.

Not only did Gauff secure a hard-fought win on the court, but she also won the hearts of her fans off the court. After the match, a heartwarming moment unfolded as Gauff took to social media to share a touching interaction with fans who waited outside the stadium late into the night just to catch a glimpse of their favorite player.

This is not the first time Gauff has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from her fans. From surprise encounters at drive-thrus to dedicated followers getting tattoos of her signature, Gauff’s impact reaches far beyond the tennis court.

As she gears up to face fellow American Ann Li in the next round, Gauff’s journey in Madrid continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With her sights set on victory and the unwavering support of her fans propelling her forward, Gauff is poised to conquer new heights in her tennis career.

Stay tuned as Coco Gauff’s electrifying performances and heartwarming moments continue to light up the tennis world, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of her talent and charisma.

Coco Gauff does something for the first time since 2021 after beating Dayana Yastremska at the Madrid Open

Coco Gauff won her opening match of the 2025 Madrid Open but it was far from straightforward.

The American has struggled for form since her Australian Open quarter-final exit and once again she could not find her best tennis in the Spanish capital.

But as the 21-year-old has done so often in the past, she can find a way to grind out a result and that is exactly what she did against Dayana Yastremska.

After two hours and 22 minutes Coco Gauff completed a comeback victory and in the process secured her 15th match win of 2025.

What did Coco Gauff achieve for the first time since 2021 at the Madrid Open?

After a disappointing Stuttgart Open campaign, Gauff commenced her outdoor clay court season at the Madrid Open.

She took on Yastremska, who played for the third time in her career and for the second successive year in Madrid.

A year ago Gauff lost five games on the way to victory, but in 2025, she lost the first set without losing a game.

But Gauff rallied to take set two and the deciding set took more than an hour, as Yastremska saved three match points before Gauff claimed a decisive break for 6-5 and served out the match.

In a match where both players lost their serve in half their total service games, Gauff claimed a 0-6, 6-2, 7-5 win. This is just the second time in Gauff’s career that she has won a match after losing the first set 0-6.

This came at the 2021 Eastbourne International, when the World number four rallied to beat Belgium’s Elise Mertens.

Who will Coco Gauff play next?

Gauff kept her Madrid Open campaign alive and she will face her compatriot Ann Li.

The 24-year-old has built some momentum after winning her opening two matches at the WTA 1000 event.

Li began her campaign by defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich, before recording an upset win over Leylah Fernandez.

Gauff and Li have played on two previous occasions, with the 2023 US Open winner prevailing on both occasions.

Their last match came in 2022 however, and both players have come a long way since then and this has the makings of a compelling matchup.

Coco Gauff could face a fellow Grand Slam champion in her first match at Indian Wells after the draw is made

Coco Gauff will be hoping for a change in fortunes after a disappointing Middle Eastern swing.

Gauff, who is the world number three, has struggled for form since reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

The American first played in Doha, where Gauff lost her only match to Marta Kostyuk in straight sets.

Even more concerns were raised for the former US Open champion in the following tournament, with Gauff making unwanted history in Dubai.

Despite her recent misfortunes, Gauff is not the only player struggling, with Aryna Sabalenka also finding wins hard to come by.

Gauff will make her return at Indian Wells, but has been handed a difficult draw in her opening match of the tournament.

Coco Gauff could face Emma Raducanu in the second round of Indian Wells

As the third seed Gauff receives an automatic bye to the second round, where she will play the winner of the match between 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu and Moyuka Uchijima.

Raducanu, who is without a permanent coach at the moment, has previously enjoyed the conditions at Indian Wells and reached the last-16 at the WTA 1000 tournament in 2023.

Gauff made the semi-finals for the first time last year, but Indian Wells may have a different feel in 2025 after the tournament altered its surface.

If she is able to overcome Raducanu or Uchijima in her second round match, Gauff could play two-time Indian Wells finalist Maria Sakkari.

Things won’t get much easier for Gauff with potential meetings against the likes of Qatar Open champion Amanda Anisimova, Australian Open champion Madison Keys and world number one Sabalenka.

If Gauff is to reach the Indian Wells final for the first time in her career she could face defending champion Iga Swiatek.

Has Coco Gauff played Emma Raducanu before?

Gauff and Raducanu have played on one previous occasion in a match that came in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.

It was Gauff who came out on the winning side of the match on that occasion, beating Raducanu 6-3 7-6(4) on Rod Laver Arena.

When speaking about the match in her post-match press conference, Gauff was full of credit for Raducanu and admitted that she was not surprised by the level that her opponent showed against her.

“I wouldn’t say anything surprised me because I feel like I’ve watched enough of her play,” Gauff said at the time. “I knew how she was going to come out.

“I definitely was impressed – well I wouldn’t say ‘impressed’ – but I knew she’s like a Grand Slam champion. I knew she had it in her. But she raised her level a lot towards the end of the second set.

“It takes a lot of resilience I feel like to do that, especially in the big stages and the big matches. When you’re down a set and a break, it’s easy to throw in the towel. I think she did a good job of raising her level when she needed to. Just honestly, tiebreakers can go either way, and it went my way tonight.”

The Indian Wells main draw gets underway on Wednesday March 5, with second round matches taking place from Friday March 7.