Coco Gauff's mother, Candi Gauff, tearfully revealed the emotional journey to conquer the French Open: "The mocking, the insults, the harsh criticism – we chose silence and let the court speak for us!" Even more surprisingly, she revealed a shocking secret: Coco Gauff secretly woke up at 3 a.m. to quietly do something no one expected...

In a deeply emotional and candid interview that has stirred hearts across the world, Candi Gauff, mother of rising tennis superstar Coco Gauff, broke her silence about the emotional struggles and sacrifices behind her daughter’s incredible journey to the French Open title.

Fighting back tears, Candi recounted the mocking, online abuse, and criticism Coco faced on her way to becoming one of the brightest young stars in tennis. But amid all the pain, she revealed a shocking and deeply personal secret — that Coco Gauff had been quietly waking up at 3 a.m. to train, visualize, and pray, determined to prove her worth in silence.

“The Mocking, the Insults — We Chose Silence”

Sitting down for an exclusive feature on ESPN Tennis, Candi Gauff opened up for the first time in detail about the emotional toll of Coco’s rise.

“People saw her smiling on court. But they didn’t see the nights she cried. They didn’t hear the things that were said about her – that she was ‘overhyped,’ that she ‘wasn’t ready,’ that she’d never win a Slam. The mocking, the insults, the harsh criticism… we chose silence. And we let the court speak for us.”

Her voice cracked as she recalled the hate messages, the doubts from analysts, and the crushing pressure Coco felt, especially after early exits from previous Grand Slam tournaments. For a teenager carrying the hopes of a nation — and the weight of expectations as the “next Serena” — the pressure was almost unbearable.

The 3 A.M. Secret: What Coco Did When No One Was Watching

What stunned viewers the most, however, was Candi’s revelation of her daughter’s hidden discipline.

“She never told anyone. Not even me at first. But for the past six months, Coco has been setting her alarm for 3 a.m. — not to hit balls, but to train her mind. She would sit quietly in the dark, visualize her shots, pray, breathe, and write her goals in a notebook.”

This moment of solitude, Candi said, became a sacred ritual — something Coco did to tune out the noise, ground herself, and find inner strength. “She said, ‘If I want to be great, I have to be willing to do what others won’t.’”

Coco Gauff’s Journey to Roland Garros Glory

Coco Gauff’s victory at the French Open wasn’t just a sports achievement — it was a story of redemption, growth, and resilience.

At just 20 years old, she displayed poise and power beyond her years, taking down some of the WTA’s biggest names on her way to her first French Open title, fulfilling the potential so many had placed on her since she was 15.

Her explosive forehand, aggressive returns, and unshakeable focus on court were matched by an even greater strength — her emotional maturity and refusal to crumble under pressure.

“She Didn’t Want Pity. She Wanted Purpose.”

Candi emphasized that Coco’s greatest weapon wasn’t just her physical ability, but her emotional resilience.

“She told me one night, ‘Mom, I don’t want to be the sad story. I want to be the strong story.’ That’s why she never fired back at critics. She just worked harder.”

From dealing with injuries, racial prejudice, and constant media comparison to legends like Serena Williams, Coco had plenty of reasons to fold. But she didn’t. “She didn’t want pity. She wanted purpose,” Candi said.

A Family Rooted in Faith and Focus

The Gauff family has always been guided by strong values and spiritual belief. Coco’s father, Corey, was a former athlete, and her mother, a former track star and educator. Together, they built a support system that emphasized hard work, humility, and inner strength.

Candi credits their tight family bond as Coco’s anchor.

“We made a decision early on — if she ever stopped loving tennis, she could walk away. But she never did. Even at her lowest, she never let go of the dream.”

Social Media Erupts with Praise

As the interview aired, social media lit up with support and admiration:

“Coco Gauff is the definition of grace under pressure.”
“A 3 a.m. warrior! That’s what champions are made of.”
“Behind every great athlete is a family like the Gauffs — pure class.”

Hashtags like #CocoGauff, #SilentStrength, and #LetTheCourtSpeak trended across platforms.

What’s Next for Coco?

With a Grand Slam under her belt and the admiration of the tennis world, Coco Gauff is now more determined than ever. She’s already preparing for Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, while continuing her mission to inspire young girls — especially those who feel overlooked or underestimated.