Cori Dionne 'Coco' Gauff was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Corey and Candi Gauff. Her father played basketball at Georgia State University, and her mother was a track and field athlete at Florida State University. Athleticism was clearly in her genes.

Coco initially participated in various sports, including basketball and track, showcasing her natural athletic abilities. However, at the age of seven, she decided to focus solely on tennis after being inspired by Serena and Venus Williams.

The Gauff family relocated to Delray Beach, Florida, to provide Coco with better tennis training opportunities. Florida's climate and numerous tennis academies were conducive to her development.

Coco's parents have been instrumental in her tennis journey. Her father served as her primary coach during her early years, and her mother managed her schedule and other aspects of her career. The entire family made sacrifices to support her dream.