At the 2025 French Open in Paris, Coco Gauff stands poised to challenge for a Grand Slam title, reflecting not only her athletic skill but also her rich cultural identity. The young African American tennis star from Delray Beach, Florida, has drawn global attention not only for her performance on the court but also for her outspoken connection to her heritage and community.
As one half of a historic matchup against Aryna Sabalenka at Roland Garros, Gauff’s journey highlights how her ethnicity and family legacy influence her role as a leading figure in tennis today. The upcoming final represents a pinnacle moment in her career, where her talent and determination converge with her deep-rooted history.
The Historic French Open Final Featuring Two Leading Stars
The 2025 Roland Garros women’s singles final brings together world number one Aryna Sabalenka and second-ranked Coco Gauff, who are currently tied in their head-to-head record at 5-5. This much-anticipated contest on Court Philippe Chatrier will decide not only who lifts the trophy but also who claims the €2.5 million prize and 2,000 ranking points. Both athletes have shown tremendous form throughout the season, yet their paths to this final have contrasted sharply.
Aryna Sabalenka notably ended Iga Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at the French Open with a commanding three-set victory, underscoring her dominance and resolve. Meanwhile, Gauff demonstrated composure and grit to defeat fan-favorite French wildcard Lois Boisson in straight sets, managing the pressure of the hostile home crowd with poise.
Throughout 2025, Sabalenka has proven to be the most consistent player on tour, reaching seven finals out of ten tournaments and winning 40 out of 46 matches. Gauff, however, has carved out a remarkable clay-court presence, becoming the youngest female player to reach the finals in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros during the same season—an outstanding achievement that attests to her rapid development on the sport‘s most challenging surface.
Coco Gauff’s Early Life and Athletic Lineage
Coco Gauff’s impressive athleticism is grounded in her family background, where sports have played a significant role. Her father, Corey Gauff, was an accomplished college basketball player at Georgia State, and her mother, Candi Odom Gauff, excelled as a track athlete at Florida State University. This strong sporting heritage shaped Gauff’s early years and provided her with a natural foundation for her tennis career.
At the age of ten, Gauff moved to France to train with Patrick Mouratoglou, renowned for coaching Serena Williams and developing young talents. This relationship extended beyond training, as Gauff has often expressed admiration for both Serena and Venus Williams, who served as trailblazers for Black female athletes in tennis. In her own words, she explained,
Before Serena came along, there was not really an icon of the sport that looked like me.
—Coco Gauff, Tennis Player
Honoring Her Grandparents’ Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Gauff’s connection to her African American heritage is deeply influenced by her grandparents, Yvonne Lee and Eddie “Red” Odom, who were pioneers in their own right. Her grandmother Yvonne Lee was the first Black student to attend Seacrest High School in Delray Beach in 1961, facing significant societal challenges. Her grandfather, Eddie “Red” Odom, contributed to the development of African American youth sports by founding one of Florida’s first Black Little Leagues in 1970.
Reflecting on their sacrifices and contributions, Gauff said,
My grandparents played their role so that I can live my life.
—Coco Gauff, Tennis Player
Using Her Platform to Empower and Give Back
Beyond her accomplishments on the court, Coco Gauff has used her public platform to advocate for social causes and give back, especially within the Black community. At just 16 years old, she delivered a powerful address at a Black Lives Matter rally, highlighting her commitment to racial equality.
Her family’s longstanding ties to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) inspired her to donate $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). As she explained,
My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going back to my great, great grandfather.
—Coco Gauff, Tennis Player
In May 2025, the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program launched to support tennis students through the UNCF, further extending her dedication to educational and athletic opportunities for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
Remembering Her Roots with Personal Symbols
Gauff’s ties to her hometown and heritage are also evident in her personal symbols and routines. In March 2024, she unveiled refurbished tennis courts at Pompey Park, the very place where her tennis journey began as a child. She carries this connection with her by wearing the geographic coordinates of Pompey Park on her left sneaker, a tangible reminder of where her dreams started.
On her right sneaker, she wears her father’s inspiring words,
You can change the world with your racket.
—Corey Gauff, Father and Coach
This mindset of resilience and impact is guiding Gauff as she competes for the French Open title, representing not just herself but the communities and legacies she embodies.
The Significance of This Moment for Tennis and Beyond
Coco Gauff’s presence in the 2025 Roland Garros final marks an important moment in tennis history, reflecting the ongoing evolution of diversity and representation within the sport. Her athletic achievements, combined with her commitment to social justice and honoring her heritage, make her a powerful role model for aspiring athletes, especially young Black girls.
As she prepares to face the formidable Aryna Sabalenka, fans and experts alike are witnessing a defining chapter in Gauff’s career, one that carries the weight of personal and cultural significance. Whether she secures the championship or not, Gauff’s journey underscores the transformative power of sport in breaking barriers and inspiring communities worldwide.