Serena Williams Sends Heartfelt Condolences to Coco Gauff Ahead of US Open 2025

In a deeply emotional moment that has touched the tennis world, Serena Williams has reached out to offer her heartfelt condolences to Coco Gauff following the news of a personal loss in Gauff’s family just days before the start of the 2025 US Open.

While exact details of the family tragedy have not been publicly disclosed out of respect for the Gauff family’s privacy, sources close to the situation confirmed that Coco received devastating news over the weekend. In the wake of this, Serena Williams, a longtime supporter and mentor figure to Coco, issued a private message of support—one that has since been publicly acknowledged by Coco herself.

Taking to her Instagram Stories on Monday, Gauff shared a brief but emotional note:

“Thank you, Serena. Your message meant more than I can say. You’ve always been a light, and your kindness during this time reminds me why you’ll always be more than just a tennis legend.”

Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, has long been a source of inspiration for Gauff, who has often credited Serena and Venus Williams for paving the way for her own success. The two have shared warm moments both on and off the court, and Serena has been vocal about her pride in watching Coco emerge as one of the sport’s brightest stars.

In a brief statement released by her spokesperson, Serena said:

“My heart goes out to Coco and her family. I know how difficult it is to carry personal grief into professional spaces. I just want her to know she’s not alone. She has a whole community behind her.”

The tennis community has rallied around Coco since the news broke, with players such as Naomi Osaka, Iga Świątek, and Frances Tiafoe offering their support both in person and online. The USTA (United States Tennis Association) also released a statement of solidarity, emphasizing that player well-being remains a priority during the tournament.

Despite the emotional strain, Gauff has chosen to remain in the draw for the 2025 US Open, set to begin this week. Her decision to play has been met with admiration from fans, many of whom have expressed their support under the hashtag #ForFamilyCoco, which began trending shortly after the news surfaced.

Gauff, now 21, is entering the tournament as one of the top seeds and a strong contender to repeat her 2023 US Open championship run. Though she faces a difficult road emotionally and competitively, many believe that her strength—nurtured in part by Serena’s legacy—will guide her through.

“This is bigger than tennis right now,” one fan wrote on social media. “Seeing Serena step up with love and seeing Coco carry on with courage—it reminds us that this sport is about family, resilience, and unity.”

As the tennis world turns its eyes to New York, it does so with a sense of empathy and hope, standing behind Coco Gauff not just as a player, but as a person navigating loss with grace and strength.