The tennis world recently witnessed an emotional moment from Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, who triumphantly broke her losing streak on International Women’s Day in 2025. After enduring a series of three consecutive losses at the Australian Open, Doha, and Dubai, the 20-year-old American prodigy finally tasted victory by defeating her Japanese adversary Moyuka Uchijima at the R64 of Indian Wells on Saturday.
Despite committing 74 unforced errors, including 21 double faults, Gauff managed to secure a hard-fought victory, thanks to her impressive 37 winners. The final score line read 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(4). However, beyond the match statistics and her evident relief at progressing to the next stage, it was Gauff’s heartfelt tribute to the two women who inspire her that resonated with the audience.
Reflecting on her performance, Gauff acknowledged, as quoted by BNP Paribas Open’s website, “It wasn’t my best tennis at all today.” Yet, displaying her fighting spirit, she added, “Just happy to get through. It’s been a rough couple of weeks, so I am just happy to get a win on the court.”
But Gauff’s victory wasn’t the only highlight of the day. Amid the celebration of International Women’s Day, she took a moment to express her love and gratitude for her mother and grandmother, the two pillars of strength in her life.
During a post-match interview, Gauff shed light on the significant role her mother, Candi, plays in her life. “My mom, she’s been rocking with me. I don’t know where she went (looking at the crowd), but she’s been rocking with me the past few weeks,” she shared. Candi’s constant presence and support, even accompanying her daughter to the 97th Academy Awards event last week, was unmistakably appreciated by Gauff.
This heartfelt acknowledgement was reciprocated by Candi, who shared her daughter’s post-match interaction clip on her Instagram story, writing, “@cocogauff thank you!!!”
Furthermore, Gauff attributed part of her success and determination to her grandmother, Yvonne Odom. Odom, a Stage 4 lung cancer survivor, played an instrumental role in integrating one of the local schools in Palm Beach County during the civil rights era. Gauff declared, “She’s the reason why I’m so vocal on certain issues, and you know why I will always use tennis as my platform to fight for equality.”
Gauff has, in the past, publicly acknowledged her grandmother’s contribution to her life and to society at large. While accepting the TIME Women of the Year title back in March 2024, she lauded her grandmother’s efforts, “My grandmother, Yvonne, was the first black woman to integrate the Delray Beach School system, has encouraged me to use my platform for positive change and to never underestimate the impact of my voice.”
Drawing on the adversities her grandmother faced during the civil rights era, Gauff sees herself continuing the battle for equality, albeit in a different realm. “Waving to the young girls in tennis, knowing that my presence and influence of what they see in their own life is incredibly meaningful. I am still a teenager and still learning to use my voice, and I am still being inspired by all the great women around me and the spotlight on empowering women and supporting each other,” she expressed.
As Gauff continues to carve out her path, not only in tennis but also as an advocate for equality, she serves as an inspiration for many. This International Women’s Day, Gauff’s heartfelt tribute to the women who shaped her life struck a chord, reminding us of the power of gratitude and the influence of strong role models.