**Coco Gauff: The Story Behind the World Tennis Star’s Real Name**
As American tennis sensation Coco Gauff gears up for yet another high-stakes appearance in the French Open final, a curious detail about her identity is once again drawing attention. While sports enthusiasts across the globe know her as ‘Coco Gauff’, it turns out this is not the name that appears on her passport. The rising star, already with a Grand Slam title to her name, has spoken openly and endearingly about the origins and practicalities surrounding her widely recognised nickname.
Gauff first made headlines in 2019, astonishing the tennis world at just 15 years old when she surged to the fourth round of Wimbledon. Her stunning victory over Venus Williams became a defining moment, instantly transforming her into a global name in tennis. Since then, she’s enjoyed a remarkable ascent, capturing the US Open title in 2023, reaching multiple Grand Slam finals, and solidifying her position as one of the brightest talents in the sport.
Yet, despite her meteoric rise, many fans are surprised to learn that ‘Coco’ is not the name she was given at birth. Gauff’s actual name is Cori, a fact that frequently causes confusion both on and off the court. The young athlete has explained how her nickname emerged as a means to avoid household mix-ups, given her father’s name is Corey.
“My dad’s name is Corey,” Gauff revealed in a candid interview. “So I guess they didn’t want any confusion at home, especially when my mum was calling out for one of us.” There’s a hint of nostalgia and amusement as she recounts how such a practical consideration led to a name that would later echo across stadiums worldwide.
But Coco’s nickname carries additional layers of family significance. The origins are a subject of playful debate within the Gauff family. “There are two stories behind ‘Coco’,” she recounted. “My aunt claims she came up with it. But my dad says, when he was younger, people called me ‘Co’, so he decided on ‘Coco’ for his daughter.” Gauff laughs off the ambiguity, saying, “I’m not sure which is right, but I always have to mention both or someone gets upset!”
This dual identity—Cori in formal settings and Coco to the rest of the world—has led to a fair share of confusion in everyday situations, particularly when travelling. Gauff describes how encounters at airports and hotels often involve a double-take. “People at the airport will look at my ID, see ‘Cori Gauff’, and then ask if I’m Coco. I just explain it’s a nickname… I don’t really look that different!” she joked.
Even with the occasional administrative hiccup—such as hotels misplacing her reservation under the wrong name—Gauff takes the confusion in her stride. “A lot of times, they’ll say they can’t find my room, and then we realise it’s listed under ‘Coco’ instead of ‘Cori’. It happens more than you’d think!”
As she prepares for another major final, this time facing Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff has shared insights into her evolving mindset under the pressure of Grand Slam tennis. Reflecting on her first French Open final, she confessed, “I was incredibly nervous and almost wrote myself off before the match even started.” That experience has been transformative, helping her approach big matches with more composure and perspective.
“I know now how fortunate I am,” she continued. “Hundreds of players would give anything to be in my place, whether they win or lose a final. That realisation keeps me grounded.” She went on to emphasise the importance of putting her career highs and lows into perspective, recalling, “After my first final loss, I thought it would be the end of the world, but life carried on—the sun still rose the next day. Walking around Paris, I knew that to most people, my defeat didn’t matter at all. It helped me see how small these moments can be in the big picture.”
In the world of professional sport, where branding and identity often take on lives of their own, Coco Gauff stands out not just for her prodigious talent, but also for her genuine reflections on what it means to grow up in the spotlight. Her story of a nickname turned global phenomenon continues to captivate, reminding fans that behind every star is a rich tapestry of family, history, and everyday laughter.
As the tennis world awaits her next chapter, Coco—Cori—Gauff’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and the joy of embracing one’s true self, regardless of what’s on the official paperwork.