Introduction
Coco Gauff has become one of the most exciting young talents in the world of tennis. From her breakthrough performance as a teenager to winning Grand Slam titles and inspiring fans globally, Coco’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In recent years, she’s also crossed paths with another rising star, Alexandra Eala, bringing fresh interest to fans worldwide. In this comprehensive article, we explore Coco’s background, coaching influences, key career achievements including at the US Open, her connection with Alex Eala, and personal insights — all optimized for tennis enthusiasts and SEO relevance.
Who Is Coco Gauff? Real Name and Early Life
Coco Gauff’s real name is Cori Dionne Gauff. Born on March 13, 2004, in Florida, USA, she grew up in a family that encouraged her athletic pursuits from a very young age. Her parents — Candi and Corey — played a pivotal role in nurturing her tennis talent. Coco started playing tennis at age six and quickly began winning junior titles. Her family even moved to Delray Beach to give her better training opportunities.
Her breakthrough came at age 15 during the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, where she defeated five-time champion Venus Williams and captured global attention. That performance paved the way for her rise in the professional ranks.
Tennis Career: Climbing the Ranks and US Open Glory
Early Professional Success
Coco turned professional in 2018 and rapidly climbed the WTA rankings. She made her main draw debut in major tournaments soon after and became known for her agile footwork, powerful serve, and strategic play.
US Open Triumph
One of the defining moments of her career was winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. At just 19 years old, she overcame tough competition and defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final to claim the championship — making her the youngest American woman to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999.
Since then, Coco has continued to pursue greatness on the WTA Tour, achieving multiple titles and thrilling fans with her relentless athleticism.
Coaching Journey: Who Has Coached Coco?
Coaching has been central to Coco’s development. Here’s a breakdown:
Early Coaching
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Jean-Christophe Faurel: Worked with Gauff in her formative pro years and helped guide her to significant victories, including early breakthrough performances.
Recent Coaching Changes
Coco has made several shifts in her coaching team to refine her game:
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Previously worked with renowned coach Brad Gilbert before parting ways in 2024.
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Later engaged Matt Daly to improve her serve and forehand.
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As of 2025–2026, she has collaborated with biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan and continued partnership with Faurel to fine-tune her technical and tactical skills.
These coaching adjustments show her dedication to evolving as a player and staying competitive at the highest level.
Who Is Alexandra Eala and Her Link with Coco Gauff?
Alexandra Eala, often known as Alex Eala, is a fast-rising tennis star from the Philippines. She started playing tennis at age four, trained under her grandfather’s guidance, and later at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain. Her impressive junior record includes a girls’ singles title at the 2022 US Open as well as junior doubles successes at other Grand Slams.
Connection Between Coco Gauff and Alex Eala
The two players teamed up in doubles at high-profile events like the 2025 Italian Open after Alex slid into Coco’s DMs asking to play together — a moment that delighted tennis fans. While they humorously rejected a fan-generated nickname (“Team Coachella”), their collaborative spirit shone through as they competed together in doubles.
This friendship and professional connection has brought extra attention to Eala’s continued rise in professional tennis.
Personal Life: Family Support and Off-Court Interests
Family and Personal Grounding
Coco’s journey has been deeply influenced by her supportive family — especially her father, who served as a major guiding force. She has often spoken about her gratitude for her family’s role in her life and career.
Interests Beyond Tennis
Off the court, Coco enjoys various activities, including engaging with fans and balancing her rigorous travel and training schedule with hobbies that keep her grounded and joyful.
Legacy and Impact
Coco Gauff represents a modern tennis icon: a world-class athlete who balances immense talent with humility and resilience. Her Grand Slam victories, coaching evolution, and influence on tennis culture — particularly among young fans — highlight a legacy still in the making.
Meanwhile, Alexandra Eala carries the pride of her nation as she continues to rise in the WTA rankings, inspiring young athletes in Asia and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Coco Gauff’s real name?
Answer: Her full name is Cori Dionne Gauff.
Q2: Has Coco Gauff won the US Open?
Answer: Yes — she won her first US Open singles title in 2023.
Q3: Who coaches Coco Gauff?
Answer: She has worked with coaches including Jean-Christophe Faurel and has collaborated with specialists like Gavin MacMillan.
Q4: Who is Alex Eala?
Answer: Alex Eala is a young Filipino tennis star with junior Grand Slam success and professional breakthroughs including notable WTA performances.
Q5: Do Coco Gauff and Alex Eala play doubles together?
Answer: Yes — they have partnered in doubles at major tournaments such as the Italian Open.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s evolution from a talented junior to a Grand Slam champion has captivated the tennis world. She continues to refine her craft with expert coaching, defend her major titles, and mentor or collaborate with rising players like Alex Eala. With her drive, resilience, and global influence, Coco Gauff is poised to remain a defining figure in women’s tennis for years to come.
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