Coco Gauff has wrapped up an extraordinary season, culminating in her first-ever WTA Finals victory earlier this month. She secured the prestigious title by defeating Qinwen Zheng in Riyadh, becoming the first American to win the championship since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2014. With her tennis commitments for the year complete, Gauff is now enjoying some well-deserved downtime ahead of a packed schedule in 2025. Her holiday season has been all about cherishing moments with her loved ones.
After settling into her new home in Delray Beach, Florida, following a move from Atlanta, Gauff has been making the most of her free time. Over the past week, she has been participating in various activities with her friends and family. Among her guests were her cousins and her grandfather, Eddie Odom. In true Thanksgiving spirit, Gauff hosted a festive gathering she affectionately referred to as “Cousinsgiving,” which she shared with her followers through Instagram stories on November 28.
Gauff showcased a video of her cousins preparing dishes for the celebration. Her cousins Cameron and Zabian contributed cornbread and cucumber salad, while her cousin sisters Yenice and Deja made brownies, mashed potatoes with gravy, and collard greens. The event was a warm and lively family affair, bringing together loved ones for a memorable holiday feast.
A particularly special guest at the gathering was her grandfather, Eddie Odom, who has been a steadfast supporter of Gauff throughout her tennis journey. Odom’s involvement in sports extends beyond tennis, as he has a longstanding history with baseball. In the 1970s, he made significant strides by establishing a Little League program for Black children in Delray Beach, providing opportunities to play baseball at a time when resources were limited. His dedication to making sports accessible to all has left a lasting impact on his community.
Gauff’s bond with her grandfather is deeply cherished. Over the years, Odom has openly expressed his pride in her accomplishments. In August, he shared his admiration for her success on social media, posting a photo of himself wearing a New Balance T-shirt featuring a playful design of Gauff enjoying a slice of pizza. The image celebrated her partnership with New Balance, which began when she was just 18.
Last month, Gauff shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to her grandfather on Instagram, showcasing their close relationship. In her post, she lovingly acknowledged his influence and support, even humorously noting that he doesn’t have Instagram but that she couldn’t resist sharing a photo to mark the occasion.
As Gauff takes a break to recharge, she’s undoubtedly setting her sights on maintaining her stellar form in 2025. Following her triumph in Riyadh, she will likely approach the upcoming season with heightened confidence. One of her primary goals will be the Australian Open, where she reached the semifinals earlier this year but fell to Aryna Sabalenka. With her current momentum, Gauff is poised to make a strong push for the title in Melbourne. Fans eagerly await to see if she can achieve this milestone and continue building on her remarkable career trajectory.