Coco Gauff, the American tennis prodigy, has always been known for her relentless competitiveness. Whether it’s a casual game of UNO with family, or a book-reading challenge with her boyfriend, Gauff’s drive to excel is evident. During a recent outing with her close friends and family, the young athlete transformed a laid-back gathering into a spirited contest, proving once again that her competitive streak knows no boundaries.
The year 2025 started off on a high note for Gauff as she led Team USA to another United Cup victory. However, her journey in the Australian Open was cut short when she was defeated by Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals. Her performance subsequently dipped, resulting in her early exit from the Qatar Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she lost to Marta Kostyuk and McCartney Kessler respectively in the first rounds. Despite the series of setbacks, Gauff’s spirit remains unbroken.
As she arrived in Dubai following her defeat in Qatar, Gauff celebrated Valentine’s Day with her mother, relishing a delightful meal. Despite back-to-back first-round defeats, her spirits remained high. After wrapping up her Middle East tournament swing, she returned home and engaged in a lively session of paintball with her loved ones. Sharing a short video of her paintball game on Instagram, Gauff wrote, “Paintball is fun lol. If we have beef let’s squash it out here.”
Gauff’s fierce competitiveness is well-known, and not just on the tennis court. Last year, she disclosed a reading challenge with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera. The initial target was 12 books for the year, but when Sera decided to read as many books as the year, Gauff couldn’t resist but match up with him. The result? She was two books ahead of him.
The 2025 Australian Open further highlighted Gauff’s winning mentality. American pro-Christopher Eubanks shared his experience of an Escape Room challenge with Gauff, where she insisted on trying the hardest room. Gauff’s competitive streak shone through, even in a recreational setting.
Gauff’s tenacity is not just limited to off-court activities. When it comes to her professional career, she brings the same intensity. After clinching her maiden Grand Slam title in a thrilling match against Aryna Sabalenka, she addressed her critics saying, “To those who thought they were putting water on my fire, they were adding gas to it. Now, I’m burning so bright right now.”
Gauff’s indomitable spirit has won over many, including Patrick Mouratoglou, who noticed her determination and fighting spirit when she joined his academy at the age of 10. Her grandmother, Yvonne Lee Odom, also acknowledged her competitive nature during her 2018 Roland Garros run.
Despite recent setbacks, Gauff’s competitiveness ensures that she will return stronger and hungrier for more titles. As she unwinds with friends and family, her fans eagerly await her next tournament. Will you be cheering for Coco’s comeback?
