Coco Gauff suffered another setback at the Qatar Open, bowing out early after losing in straight sets against Marta Kostyuk with scores of 2-6 and 5-7 in Round 32. Doha has long posed a difficulty to her ambitions but, once familiar with professional tennis life’s ups and downs, Gauff quickly switched her focus away from tennis altogether and towards personal celebrations instead.
Gauff decided to spend Valentine’s Day this year with Candi, showing their close bond. Their decision came following an eventful run at the 2025 Qatar Open followed by an underwhelming performance at Australian Open; after which both celebrated love together! This Valentine’s Day in Dubai brought them closer together allowing the mother and daughter duo to show how important family bonds can be in celebrating love!
Gauff shared footage of them enjoying a delicious meal together on social media, expressing her joy at having her mother by her side during these times. It’s clear that Candi, a former heptathlon athlete herself, has been a pillar of strength and support for Coco, shaping her into the resilient athlete she is today.
Last Valentine’s Day was similarly spent adventuring in Qatar’s Sealine Desert, indicating a tradition of spending quality time together during this period. Such outings are cherished by both, with social media serving as a window into their unique mother-daughter relationship, filled with gratitude and shared experiences.
Candi has proven to be an unwavering support system for Coco, joining her at various tournaments around the world, including the United Cup and during tours in Asia. Coco credits both her parents for their constant support, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of a mother-daughter bond that remains strong even amidst the demanding schedule of professional tennis.
Coco Gauff celebrated Valentine’s Day not only with her mother but also accepted an amusing proposal from teammate Ons Jabeur to become his “Galentine”, an expression honoring female friendship. Their exchange, conducted via social media, highlighted athletes off-court connection through playful banter.
Coco Gauff’s Valentine’s Day celebration this year serves as an important reminder of the value of family and friendship when facing difficulties in life. As fans and members of the tennis community look ahead to what may lay ahead for Gauff, her resilience as well as support from loved ones like Candi play an integral role in her journey forward.