Coco Gauff Soaks Up the Christmas Spirit With Mom Candi After Church as She Recharges for 2026
After a relentless year on the WTA Tour, Coco Gauff is allowing herself a well-earned pause, and she’s doing it the way she knows best: surrounded by faith, family, and familiar faces.
The World No. 3 has stepped away from the competitive grind since wrapping up her 2025 season at the WTA Finals, embracing the festive rhythm of the holidays back home in the United States. This week, that reset came into focus as Gauff and her mother, Candi Gauff, shared a warm, Christmas-themed moment following a church service, offering fans a glimpse into the quieter side of one of tennis’ brightest stars.
A Festive Moment Grounded in Family and Faith
Candi Gauff took to social media to capture the scene: herself and Coco standing alongside family and friends, framed by a glowing Christmas tree after church. It was a simple snapshot, but one that resonated, highlighting the grounding influence of family and faith that has long shaped Gauff’s journey on and off the court.
For Coco, these moments represent more than just seasonal celebrations. They’re a reminder of the support system that has carried her from prodigy to two-time Grand Slam champion, and now into the uppermost tier of women’s tennis.
A Busy Off-Season Filled With Travel and Togetherness
Since returning from Riyadh, Gauff’s off-season has been anything but idle. She’s balanced rest with reconnection, spending time with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, traveling to New Orleans with her brothers, Codey and Cameron, celebrating Thanksgiving, and enjoying time in Miami with friends, including American R&B artist Ravyn Lenae.
It’s the kind of off-court balance elite players increasingly prioritize: mental refreshment, emotional grounding, and a break from the constant intensity of tour life.
A Stellar 2025 Campaign to Build On
The downtime comes after a standout 2025 season that further cemented Gauff’s place among the game’s elite. She lifted four trophies over the year, including:
- The United Cup with Team USA
- The French Open, adding another major to her résumé
- The Wuhan Open
- The Canadian Open doubles title
Those results reflected not just consistency, but growth, particularly in her composure, tactical maturity, and ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Eyes Turning Toward the 2026 United Cup
While Gauff is enjoying the festive slowdown, the competitive horizon is already taking shape. Just as she did this year, she’ll launch her 2026 season at the United Cup, representing the United States in the mixed-gender team event from January 2–11, 2026.
The tournament will be split between Perth’s RAC Arena and Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena, with Team USA arriving as the defending champions after their 2025 triumph over Poland. The Americans also claimed the inaugural title of the competition, underlining their dominance in the format.
Team USA Lineup and Group Stage Challenges
For the fourth edition of the United Cup, the U.S. squad features a strong and experienced lineup:
- Coco Gauff
- Taylor Fritz
- Christian Harrison
- Mackenzie McDonald
- Nicole Melichar-Martinez
- Varvara Lepchenko
Former ATP pro Michael Russell will serve as captain once again, guiding a team placed in Group A alongside Spain and Argentina, with all group-stage matches scheduled in Perth.
Gauff is set to open her 2026 campaign against Solana Sierra of Argentina and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain, two first-time WTA Tour matchups that will offer an early test as she eases back into competition.
The Bigger United Cup Picture
Beyond Group A, the United Cup field remains stacked with depth and intrigue:
- Group B: Canada, Belgium, China
- Group C: Italy, France, Switzerland
- Group D: Australia, Czech Republic, Norway
- Group E: Great Britain, debutants Japan, and Greece
- Group F: Germany, Poland, Netherlands
With former champions and rising teams spread across the draw, the event once again promises high-intensity tennis right out of the off-season.
Key Takeaways: Balance Before the Battle
For fans, Gauff’s Christmas church moment was more than a festive photo; it was a reminder of the balance she continues to strike between global stardom and personal grounding. In an era where burnout looms large, these quieter pauses may be just as crucial as training blocks.
Final Analysis: A Recharged Gauff Could Be Dangerous
As Coco Gauff prepares to turn the page to 2026, she does so with momentum, maturity, and a clear sense of self. The trophies are already there. The team’s success is established. And with faith, family, and focus anchoring her off-court life, she’ll head into the new season not just rested but ready.
If this holiday recharge is any indication, the tour may soon be facing a sharper, even more dangerous version of Coco Gauff.
