What was meant to be another thrilling day at the Rome Open took a heartbreaking turn earlier today, when American tennis sensation Coco Gauff abruptly left the court in the middle of her match following a devastating family emergency. The incident, which occurred just 30 minutes ago, has left fans, commentators, and fellow players in shock and concern.

According to a statement released by the Gauff family and confirmed by tournament officials, Coco’s mother, Candi Gauff, 55, suffered a sudden medical emergency earlier in the day and was rushed to a hospital in Rome. The situation was described as “critical,” prompting immediate communication to Coco during her match.

A Match Interrupted by Tragedy

Gauff had just begun her third-round match against Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk when tournament officials approached the court discreetly during a changeover. After a brief conversation with her coaching team and a WTA representative, Gauff appeared visibly shaken. She left the court quickly, with tears in her eyes, as fans watched in silence, unsure of what had occurred.

Moments later, a voice over the stadium speakers confirmed that the match had been suspended due to “personal circumstances involving one of the players.”

Official Family Statement

Roughly twenty minutes later, a representative from the Gauff family issued the following statement to the press:

“Earlier this afternoon, Coco’s mother, Candi Gauff, experienced a serious medical event and is currently receiving urgent treatment at a local hospital in Rome. Coco was informed mid-match and has understandably chosen to withdraw from her match and be with her family. We ask for privacy and prayers during this deeply emotional time.”

No further details were provided regarding the nature of the emergency, but sources close to the family say it may have been a cardiac-related issue.

Support From Around the Tennis World

As news of the incident spread, an outpouring of support came swiftly from fellow players, fans, and tennis organizations.

Serena Williams, a longtime supporter of Coco, posted on X:

“My heart is with Coco and her family right now. We’re all praying for you. Family comes first, always.”

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) also shared an official message:

“Our thoughts are with Coco Gauff and her family. The entire WTA family stands behind her during this difficult time.”

Gauff’s opponent, Marta Kostyuk, expressed her condolences in a post-match interview:

“I can’t imagine what Coco is going through. No tennis match is more important than your family. I hope her mother recovers soon.”

A Tight Bond Between Mother and Daughter

Candi Gauff has been a visible and central figure in Coco’s life and career. A former track and field athlete, she has attended nearly all of Coco’s major matches and has often been credited with keeping the rising star grounded.

In past interviews, Coco has described her mother as her “greatest role model,” saying:

“She’s my everything. The way she’s always supported me and carried herself—I aspire to be like her on and off the court.”

Candi was reportedly in Rome for the tournament, which makes the situation even more devastating for the young player, who has always emphasized the importance of family in her life.

What Comes Next for Gauff?

At this point, it is unclear whether Gauff will remain in Rome or withdraw completely from the tournament. Her team has not announced any decisions about her participation in upcoming events, including the French Open, which is just two weeks away.

Mental health professionals and commentators alike have expressed support for whatever decision she makes, emphasizing that grief and stress in such situations can be overwhelming for anyone, let alone a 21-year-old in the public eye.

Fans React with Empathy

News of the emergency quickly went viral on social media, with thousands of fans sending messages of love and prayers to the Gauff family. The hashtag #PrayForCoco began trending on X and Instagram within the hour.

One fan wrote:

“So heartbreaking to see such a strong young woman go through something like this. Stay strong, Coco. We’re all with you.”

Final Words

While the world of sports often brings us stories of triumph and competition, moments like these remind us that athletes are human first. Coco Gauff may be a rising tennis superstar, but today, she is a daughter fearing for her mother’s life.

As the tennis world holds its breath, all eyes remain on Rome—not for the results of a match, but for the recovery of a beloved mother and the comfort of her grieving daughter.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.