Coco Gauff’s father, Corey, publicly defended his daughter after an online critic mocked her emotional moment during the US Open, highlighting the pressure and scrutiny that accompany top-level tennis.
During a tearful second-round showdown with Donna Vekic, Gauff fought hard to hold serve, eventually double-faulting and losing her serve at 4-4 in the first set. In response to an Instagram comment calling her “the biggest crybaby on tour,” Corey Gauff fired back, calling the commenter out for attacking a player who is already under intense scrutiny: “A supposed man posting this laughable at the weak.”
The support from Gauff’s family extended beyond Corey. His wife, Candi Gauff, offered a faith-filled, encouraging message on Coco’s post: “Your task is not easy, but you have been chosen. Accept the challenge with God’s grace and mercy.” Corey added his own reassurance, urging Coco to trust herself: “Trust in yourself, and we got you when you don’t got you all of them uncles and aunties watching you.” He also framed vulnerability as a strength: “Expressing vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, giving your best and your happiness is enough for me.”
Gauff has spoken about why her emotions surfaced on court, saying the experience is inherently human. In on-court remarks after the match, she explained that athletes are often reduced to rankings and results, yet many have “a career so many people would dream of” if they stopped playing, underscoring the human side behind the sport’s facade of perfection.
On the court, Gauff has continued to grapple with serving issues, including a tendency to double-fault at crucial moments. She has admitted that her weakness with the serve has contributed to inconsistent form following her breakthrough Roland Garros title earlier this year. Notably, she leads the tour in double faults, a statistic that has heightened the need for technical adjustments.
To address the serving woes, Gauff has brought in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, a coach known for helping World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka transform her serve into a potent weapon in 2022. This strategic move signals a proactive approach to stabilizing her serve as she progresses in the tournament. Gauff is set to meet 28th seed Magdalena Fręch in the third round.
Commentary and context
– The incident underscores the growing issue of online harassment directed at athletes, especially when they show vulnerability. Corey’s defense and Candi’s faith-forward response reflect a family-centered message of resilience and support.
– The coaching move to work with a biomechanics expert aligns with recent trends among top players who blend mental resilience with technical refinement to overcome serve-related challenges.
– For Gauff, the combination of family backing, faith-inspired encouragement, and targeted coaching offers a path to regain serve consistency while maintaining her competitive edge.
Overall, the moment at the US Open illustrates how elite athletes navigate pressure, public scrutiny, and the need for ongoing adjustments to stay at the pinnacle of their sport. With her family’s backing and a focused coaching plan, Gauff remains a formidable contender as she advances to a third-round showdown with Magdalena Fręch.
Summary: Coco Gauff’s emotional moment at the US Open drew public reaction along with strong family support, while a new coaching approach aims to address her serving struggles as she moves into the next round.
Positive note: Despite the challenges, the combination of supportive family messages and strategic coaching could help Gauff channel her resilience into improved performance and continued growth on the tour.