Coco Gauff’s parents stepped in as her strongest support system during a vulnerable moment at the 2025 US Open. While Gauff battled through service struggles and visible tears on court, Corey and Candi Gauff delivered their daughter’s encouragement.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Gauff defeated Donna Vekić 7-6 (5), 6-2, advancing through sheer determination when her serve betrayed her in crucial moments.
Why Did Coco Gauff Break Down During Her US Open Match?
The turning point came in the ninth game of the first set when Gauff’s composure finally cracked. After double-faulting and losing serve at 4-4, she covered her face with a towel during the changeover, fighting back tears as the frustration overwhelmed her.
The numbers told the story of her struggle. In that opening set alone, Gauff racked up seven double faults and dropped four of her six service games. However, she showed championship mental toughness when it mattered most, staying competitive with clutch return games and shifting into high gear during the tiebreaker.
“Today was a tough match for me, but I’m just happy with how I was able to manage,” a visibly emotional Gauff said in her post-match interview. “It’s been a rough couple weeks, but I’m happy to be back on this court.”
The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd provided the emotional lift she needed. “I’ve had some tough moments on this court, and you guys pull me through each time, so I really do appreciate it,” Gauff said, acknowledging their unwavering support.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Her first-round match against Ajla Tomljanović featured similar struggles, with 59 unforced errors and 10 double faults painting a picture of a player searching for her rhythm.
How Did Corey and Candi Gauff Respond to Their Daughter’s Struggles?
The parents’ heartfelt messages came in response to an Instagram post following her second-round victory, which she captioned simply, “We keep moving.”
Candi Gauff delivered a message that mixed faith with encouragement. “Your task is not easy,” she wrote, “but you have been chosen. Accept the challenge with God’s grace and mercy.”
Corey Gauff focused on building his daughter’s confidence while emphasizing the family’s unconditional support. His message struck a more personal tone: “Trust in yourself, and we got you when you don’t got you all of them uncles and aunties watching you.”
The father of the two-time major champion also highlighted something crucial about showing vulnerability. “Expressing vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength giving your best and your happiness is enough for me,” he wrote.
What Changes Has Gauff Made to Address Her Service Issues?
Gauff’s inconsistent form following her historic Roland Garros triumph earlier this year prompted significant changes in her coaching setup. After struggling through the US Open tune-up events, she boldly brought in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan.
MacMillan’s track record speaks for itself. He helped current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka transform her serve into a devastating weapon back in 2022. The timing couldn’t be better for Gauff, who leads the tour in double faults.
Looking ahead, Gauff faces 28th seed Magdalena Fręch in the third round. The matchup favors the American, as she holds a 2-0 head-to-head advantage in their previous WTA Tour meetings. The winner will face either 15th seed Daria Kasatkina or the resurgent Naomi Osaka in the following round.
