Coco Gauff is soaring high after recently clinching her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and the anticipation for her upcoming matches is palpable. The 20-year-old tennis sensation shared her excitement about her current form, saying she feels like she’s finally approaching her best game. "I've always said the US Open, even though it's my biggest win, I don't feel like I was playing my best tennis," she mentioned, reflecting on her remarkable victory.
With her eye now firmly set on the upcoming United Cup, Gauff is preparing alongside the American men’s team, which boasts Taylor Fritz, ranked No. 3 globally. The matches are set to take place from December 27 to January 5 across Perth and Sydney, Australia. Gauff aims to use this platform to bolster her confidence before the Australian Open, scheduled for next month. This preparation phase is not only about winning but also about refining her game and mindset. "Doing everything I can to prepare...but maybe not putting so much weight on wins and losses," Gauff explained. She seems to have learned the power of balance as she steps onto the professional stage.
Beyond her own impressive career, Gauff is also celebrating her younger brother Cameron's recent accomplishments. Cameron has been equally busy, showcasing his athletic prowess as well as his creative flair. The young Gauff is not just making headlines for his success as a quarterback for the Delray Rocks but has also recently performed with his school's band, playing the trombone with remarkable skill. Proud sister Coco couldn’t help but share this milestone with her followers, posting on Instagram, "My little brother learned the trombone part of 'Sticky' by Tyler, the Creator, on his euphonium!" The pride she expresses highlights the close-knit sibling bond they share.
Not only has Cameron showcased his musical talents, but he also ventured creatively as he collaborated with New Balance to design sneakers. Coco shared insight about this exciting creative opportunity, stating, "He was really excited. I think he kind of sensed it because they asked him to draw on this shoe and then on paper, so he’s young, but he kind of put two and two together.” With the release of the colorful Coco CG1 Kids sneakers, Cameron Gauff is clearly carving out his own name beyond athletics.
A true family of athletes and creative minds, the Gauffs have demonstrated their diverse talents. Following their Super Bowl loss, Cameron showed impressive sportsmanship, reflecting on the experience with maturity: "It wasn’t the result I was expecting...but we’re going to have to live with it at the end of it." His words revealed not just the maturity typical of someone older but also underscored the essence of teamwork and perseverance.
Yet, Coco remains at the forefront, capturing attention not just for her athletic success but also for her financial accomplishments. According to Forbes, she has surpassed $30 million in total earnings this year, solidifying her position as one of the highest-paid female athletes globally. Gauff's endorsements with major brands such as New Balance and Barilla have played a significant role here. With $25 million stemming from her endorsement deals alone, she stands as the third female athlete ever to hit such heights.
This remarkable feat catapults her past other top female athletes, including last year’s leader, Iga Swiatek, whom she out-earned by over $10 million. Gauff’s star is undeniably rising, and both she and her brother seem poised to achieve remarkable things, drawing from their shared upbringing and mutual support.
With so much on her plate, Coco Gauff approaches the future brimming with confidence. She asserts, "I'm getting closer and closer to feeling I'm playing my best tennis throughout the whole week," indicating her focus not just on victories but also on personal growth. She acknowledges how at any Grand Slam, there’s usually one match where she feels she did not perform to her potential but insists on taking the lessons from those encounters.
While glancing back at her achievements, Gauff is ready to embrace each challenge with open arms. The United Cup serves as her final chance to sharpen her skills before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open - the tournament Gauff has her eyes on. With camaraderie from her family and support from her enthusiastic fanbase, the young champion is well-prepared to take tennis by storm.
The Gauff siblings, each displaying their distinctive talents, capture the essence of determination and creativity. Whether on the tennis court, the school stage, or the drawing board, they show the audience what it means to excel and inspire one another.
