10 Essential Facts About the Rising Tennis Star in 2026

At just 21, Cori “Coco” Gauff has already etched her name among tennis’s elite, blending explosive athleticism, vocal advocacy and consistent Grand Slam success. As the world No. 4 prepares for her third-round match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following a straight-sets win over Anna Kalinskaya, here are 10 key things to know about the American phenom based on her latest performances, career milestones and off-court impact.

1. Current Status and Ranking Gauff enters the Dubai event ranked No. 4 in the WTA singles rankings (with some sources noting No. 5 as of early February updates). She holds a 7-3 record in 2026 so far, including a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open before falling to Elina Svitolina. Her prize money this year exceeds $1 million, contributing to a career total nearing $17 million.
2. Breakthrough at Age 15 Gauff burst onto the global stage in 2019 at Wimbledon, defeating Venus Williams in the first round as a 15-year-old wildcard. The upset made her the youngest player to win a main-draw match at the All England Club in the Open Era, propelling her from junior standout to household name overnight.
3. First Grand Slam Triumph In 2023, Gauff claimed her maiden major at the U.S. Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic final. At 19, she became the youngest American woman to win the title since Serena Williams in 1999, fulfilling a childhood dream on home soil at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
4. Second Major on Clay Gauff added her second Grand Slam singles title at the 2025 French Open, topping Sabalenka in the final. The Roland Garros victory marked her breakthrough on clay, where she had previously reached the 2022 final (lost to Iga Swiatek). She also secured her first WTA 1000 title on clay that year at Wuhan.
5. Historic WTA Finals Win Gauff capped 2024 by winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating the world’s top players en route to the title. At 20, she became the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004 and the first American since Serena Williams in 2014, earning a record $4.8 million prize — the largest single payout in women’s sports history at the time.
6. Doubles Success and No. 1 Ranking Beyond singles, Gauff reached world No. 1 in doubles and has 10 career titles in the discipline. She won the 2024 French Open women’s doubles with Kateřina Siniaková, showcasing her versatility and strong net play.
7. Powerful Game and Style Standing 5-foot-9 and right-handed, Gauff combines elite speed, athleticism and a booming forehand with improving consistency. Her serve has evolved into a weapon, though recent matches — including 12 double faults against Kalinskaya — highlight areas for refinement as she navigates high-pressure moments.
8. Advocacy and Social Impact Gauff remains unafraid to address societal issues. In Dubai this week, she spoke candidly about U.S. events, saying it’s “tough to wake up” to news of immigration crackdowns and protester deaths, adding, “I don’t think people should be dying in the streets just for existing.” She has long advocated for racial justice, voting rights and equality, drawing from her experiences as a Black woman in sports.
9. Endorsements and Partnerships Gauff serves as a global brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz, the WTA’s premier partner since January 2026. She praised the collaboration as “such a prestigious brand” during media day in Dubai, aligning with her growing off-court profile alongside deals with New Balance, Head and others.
10. Ongoing Development and Outlook After a strong but title-less start to 2026 — including early exits in Doha and a quarterfinal loss in Melbourne — Gauff faces Alisa Mertens next in Dubai. Analysts see her as a perennial top contender, with her youth, work ethic and experience positioning her for more majors. Her ability to handle pressure, as seen in comebacks and year-end triumphs, suggests even greater achievements ahead.

Gauff’s journey from a prodigy upsetting legends to a two-time major champion and outspoken leader reflects tennis’s evolving landscape. As the 2026 season unfolds, her blend of on-court prowess and principled voice continues to inspire fans worldwide. The Dubai event marks her latest step in what promises to be a defining year.