Coco Gauff’s rise continues to attract national attention, and her latest honor prompted a heartfelt response from the two people who have been in her corner since day one.
After the 21-year-old tennis star was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 in the Sports category, her parents, Candi and Corey Gauff, celebrated the recognition online, sharing their pride in their daughter’s achievements.
Candi and Corey Gauff Celebrate Coco’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Honor
Gauff’s inclusion in the 15th edition of the prestigious list highlights the remarkable trajectory she has carved out since her breakout years on the WTA tour. Forbes highlighted her steady ascent in the sport, including multiple Grand Slam singles titles and a rapidly expanding endorsement portfolio that makes her the highest-paid female athlete in the world. The publication estimated her annual on- and off-court earnings at around $37.2 million.
As the news circulated, her parents, who have guided every step of her development, did not hesitate to express their joy. Candi Gauff reposted the announcement on Instagram and added a warm caption that read, “proud mom!!!.” Corey Gauff also shared the news on his own Instagram story, writing, “Proud of you.”
Coco responded to the main Forbes post as well, calling the recognition “an honor to be apart of a great group of people.”
Their reactions echoed the strong family bond that has been central to her rise and the years of dedication behind the scenes. Candi, a former track and field standout at Florida State University, and Corey, who played basketball at Georgia State University, recognized Coco’s potential early on.
They relocated from Georgia to Florida to ensure she had access to elite training programs and homeschooled her, allowing her to pursue tennis without sacrificing her education. Alongside Coco, the couple raises her brothers, Codey and Cameron, and the trio is often seen courtside, cheering on the former world No. 2 during her biggest matches.
Alongside Gauff, the Forbes 30 Under 30 list features several other high-profile young stars across sports, entertainment, and media. The Sports category also includes NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley, two of the league’s biggest names and business ambassadors.
MORE: Coco Gauff Joins Serena Williams and 2 Influential Tennis Figures on Forbes’ America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports List
Across entertainment, Forbes named rising actors and creators such as Mikey Madison, who has become a fast-growing talent in Hollywood, and musicians like Benson Boone, Doechii, and Alex Warren, each of whom has carved out a strong presence in the global music scene.
In October, Coco earned another major spotlight when she appeared on Forbes’ America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports list. She landed at No. 13 on the ranking, joining a group that included iconic tennis figures like Serena Williams, Billie Jean King, and WTA chief executive Portia Archer.
What Were Coco Gauff’s Final Rankings and Accomplishments This Year?
Gauff finished the year ranked No. 3 after a strong season that featured her second Grand Slam win at the 2025 French Open. She reached the finals in Madrid and Rome, won the title in Wuhan, posted a 48-16 singles record, added a doubles trophy in Montreal, and earned around $7.27 million in prize money.
Looking ahead, she will open her 2026 season by leading Team USA at the United Cup from Jan. 2–11 in Perth and Sydney. As defending champions and top seeds, Gauff and Taylor Fritz head a Group A lineup that includes Spain and Argentina.
