American tennis star Coco Gauff has shared a surprising connection between her family and the history of baseball in the United States, revealing a deep-rooted passion for the sport that extends beyond her own tennis career. During a recent press conference after her performance at the Cincinnati Open in June 2025, Gauff discussed her family’s baseball legacy and her personal enthusiasm for the game.
Gauff’s family background in sports has influenced her athletic development profoundly, especially through her siblings’ involvement in baseball and other sports. This connection shines a new light on her broader athletic interests beyond tennis, underscoring a rich sporting heritage and ongoing support for baseball in her family.
Early Life and Family Sporting Influences
Born into a family that embraced multiple sports, Coco Gauff’s introduction to athletics came with encouragement to participate in various disciplines. Despite her early focus on tennis, her parents encouraged her to engage in basketball, track, beach volleyball, soccer, and even fencing, aiming for overall athletic development. Cross-training was a foundational practice in her upbringing, fostering her agility and stamina, which have contributed to her remarkable athleticism on the tennis court.
While tennis has remained her primary focus, Gauff’s passion for sports has never been confined to a single arena. Among the various sports she enjoys, baseball stands out as a particularly special interest, significantly tied to her family’s history and personal experiences.
Family’s Deep Baseball Roots and Ongoing Support
Coco’s younger brother, Codey Gauff, is making a name for himself in baseball, having committed to play at the University of Missouri, positioning himself as a promising talent in the sport. Their youngest brother, Cameron, shares interests in multiple sports, including basketball and tennis, reflecting the family’s broad athletic engagement.
The family’s enthusiasm for baseball extends beyond participation; it is also entrenched in tradition. Coco’s grandfather, Eddie “Red” Odom, founded the Delray Beach American Little League, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding baseball opportunities for children, especially in predominantly Black neighborhoods. The league continues to operate successfully today, highlighting the enduring impact of Odom’s contribution to American baseball history.
This rare family baseball lineage has given Gauff a unique perspective and appreciation for the sport. She frequently supports Codey’s baseball endeavors on social media, illustrating a tight-knit family dynamic that celebrates shared passions.
Coco Gauff’s Personal Experiences with Baseball
Recently, Gauff attended a Major League Baseball (MLB) game at the Great American Ball Park, where she watched the Cincinnati Reds face off against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Reds shared a video capturing Gauff’s excitement as she experienced the game atmosphere in person for the first time, emphasizing her genuine love for attending baseball matches rather than watching on television.
During her press conference after reaching the quarterfinals at the Cincinnati Open, Gauff explained her long-standing connection to baseball:
“I mean..I have love for it for sure. I grew up volunteering. My grandfather founded a little league in Delray, a nonprofit and it’s still running to this day, and I volunteered there. I would sit and you know do the little score sheet at the press box for games and stuff.” —Coco Gauff, professional tennis player
This volunteer work gave her an early and personal involvement with baseball, grounding her appreciation for the sport in family tradition and community service.
Gauff also acknowledged the difference between watching baseball live and on television, highlighting the experience’s atmosphere as a key element of her enthusiasm:
“My brother plays…so I know the game very well. I’m definitely someone who prefers to watch baseball in person than on TV. It can be boring, not going to lie, but if you have a good ballpark which…that was my first time going to the a Red’s game and they do have a good ballpark. It was a great time.” —Coco Gauff, professional tennis player
She expressed a desire to attend more baseball games, demonstrating her growing connection to the sport and her eagerness to explore it more deeply alongside her tennis career.
Lessons Learned from Baseball and Their Impact on Tennis
Gauff shared insights into how her grandfather’s dedication and patience during baseball games have influenced her own mindset, particularly in tennis. Her grandfather is known for arriving hours early to baseball games to watch batting practice and warm-ups and staying through the entirety of lengthy matches—even when games extend beyond the standard nine innings.
Gauff credits this endurance to lessons in patience and focus, key traits she applies to her performance on the court:
“When it comes to watching baseball and staying focused throughout, that’s something I’ve learned from him. Patience is crucial, and it’s helped me to stay calm during long tennis matches where every point counts.”
This connection between the two sports reveals an unusual crossover where baseball teaches values that enhance Gauff’s tennis career, aiding her composure and strategic thinking during intense competitions.
Recent Tennis Performances and Future Prospects
Amidst her baseball interests, Gauff continues to excel in tennis. At the Cincinnati Open, she recently secured a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in the Round of 16. Following this, she is set to face another Italian player, Jasmine Paolini, as she advances toward potentially winning her second Cincinnati Open title after her 2023 triumph.
Her recent wins come after a disappointing grass-court season and a loss to Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko at the Canadian Open. Gauff’s fluctuating form has added tension and urgency to her quest to reclaim dominance during the hard-court season.
With 19 quarterfinal appearances at WTA 1000/Tier I events before turning 22, Gauff now ranks third historically in this category, surpassing even her idol Serena Williams, who had 18. Gauff commented on her latest match performance against Bronzetti:
“For the most part I played aggressive. Maybe got a bit passive in some of those games. But it’s tough. The balls are super light and they fly. She wasn’t giving me much pace. I was trying to play with control but also aggressive. For the most part I think I did well. I had chances in a couple of those games. I missed a couple balls. But I learned from it and was able to close it out.” —Coco Gauff, professional tennis player
This blend of determination and adaptability underscores her ongoing growth and potential to secure more titles in the near future, keeping fans hopeful and attentive to her next moves.
Broader Tennis Landscape at the Cincinnati Open
The Cincinnati Open has also been marked by several noteworthy events beyond Gauff’s matches. Carlos Alcaraz faced controversy after disputing a chair umpire’s call, while Naomi Osaka has been embroiled in pre-US Open tensions following revelations about her coaching situation. Aryna Sabalenka refused a lucrative payout to support an injured US Open partner, and Jannik Sinner advanced steadily into the semifinals amid challenging conditions.
These ongoing developments add a charged atmosphere to the tournament, heightening anticipation for the final rounds and player matchups.
Looking Ahead: Coco Gauff’s Next Matches and Ambitions
As Coco Gauff prepares to face Jasmine Paolini in her upcoming match at the Cincinnati Open, the tennis world watches closely to see whether she can maintain her form and clinch her second title at this event. The pressures of recent setbacks, combined with her steady return to form and valuable life lessons from baseball, position her as a determined contender.
Her unique baseball connection history enriches her athletic identity and offers fans insight into the multifaceted influences shaping her as a sportswoman. For Gauff, balancing her tennis ambitions while embracing her family’s baseball legacy provides a source of motivation and grounding amid the high stakes of professional tennis.
The intersection of these athletic passions may continue to influence her approach and resilience in the sport, making her journey in 2025 and beyond one to watch closely.