Family matters: Coco Gauff ready for “tradeoffs” as tight-knit clan set to travel less

WATCH: Iga Swiatek defeated Coco Gauff in the Dubai semifinals, then asked for a redo on signing the camera lens

Born into the definition of a “sports family”, Coco Gauff has always leaned on her tight-knit clan to stay grounded amid her whirlwind rise to the top of women’s tennis.

The 18-year-old, who picked up tennis at the age of six, has been coached by dad Corey, a former Georgia State basketball player, most of her career. The pair regularly travel the WTA Tour with mom Candi, herself a talented gymnast and track and field athlete at Florida State.

But the Gauffs are trying something new this season, starting during the Middle East swing. Eagle-eyed fans noticed Corey wasn’t in her player box in Doha, leaving the American with mom and coach Diego Moyano—and that’s by design, as Gauff later explained.

“I think he was always scared to kind of say it, but it's something I push more on him,” Gauff revealed last week during a press conference at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. “Now that I'm getting older, I have Diego helping me… I kind of say, you don't have to be here every week…

“It was taking a toll on the whole family in general. I'm thankful [to] my brothers, I never felt that pressure. They know why my dad can't be there.”

Corey was back in the stands with the team a week later, with Candi also joining because (relatably) “she wanted to see Dubai”. But their absences may soon become a regular occurrence as the teenager's tennis career continues to evolve.

Not to mention, Gauff is far from the only gifted athlete among her siblings: Codey, 15, is an aspiring baseball player and Cameron, nine, is a multi-sport talent. As her brothers get older and possibly pursue pro careers of their own, Gauff says she’s hoping they will enjoy the same family support she received.

“I have two younger brothers at home. I would say my dad, naturally he understands football and baseball and basketball, those sports, more than tennis,” she explained. “I definitely say they need him now at this time in their life…

“There will definitely be more tradeoffs happening this year. Also since my brother is entering high school, he needs a dad figure. Every son needs their dad.”

Next scheduled to compete at Indian Wells, Gauff’s 2023 season has already kicked off on a high note—and the new dynamic in the coaching box doesn’t seem to be affecting her rhythm.

Gauff sits at world No. 6 in singles, just two spots shy of last year’s career-high ranking, and at No. 3 in doubles. She started the year by winning her third title at the WTA 250 in Auckland and advanced to the doubles semifinals at Australian Open with Jessica Pegula.

During the Middle East, Gauff reached the quarterfinals in Doha and semifinals in Dubai. With Pegula, Gauff also captured the Doha trophy, her seventh career doubles title.