When tennis superstar Coco Gauff made a surprise visit to Joe W. Brown Park in New Orleans East, her mother Candi Gauff couldn’t hide her joy.
Gauff‘s appearance was more than just a press appearance. For the 20-year-old, it marked the culmination of a $3 million investment she made two years ago to renovate the park’s public tennis courts.
Gauff, using the prize money she earned by winning the 2023 U.S. Open, partnered with the USTA to fund the complete refurbishing of the 10 outdoor courts at Joe W. Brown Park.
She selected New Orleans for personal reasons. Her father, Corey Gauff, grew up in the city, and many members of her family still live there.
On Monday afternoon, Gauff greeted dozens of young players from the nonprofit program A’s & Aces, offering a clinic, signing autographs and playing alongside them.
She said: “New Orleans has a super close place in my heart … to be able to do this initiative with the USTA is amazing.”
How Gauff’s money makes a difference
The investment covered resurfacing the courts, installing new nets, and providing updated equipment. It now serves as a hub for free lessons, recreational play, and youth programming.
According to USTA spokespersons, the upgrade is part of the broader US Open Legacy Initiative, a campaign born from Gauff‘s major win that is designed to bring better tennis infrastructure to underserved areas.
For Candi Gauff, the event was deeply emotional. As her daughter danced to the beat of a local brass band, spun an umbrella, and shared joyful moments with the children, Candi Gauff quietly watched, her pride radiating.
She later sent a two-word message that spoke volumes underneath her daughter’s Instagram image, writing: “Great day!!!!”
This wasn’t Coco‘s first philanthropic act under the Legacy Initiative. Her family previously refurbished public courts in Delray Beach, Florida, the city she grew up in and learned to play tennis on public courts.
But returning to New Orleans – her familial roots – brought this initiative full circle.
Gauff a local hero in New Orleans
Local officials and community leaders praised the Gauff family for choosing their city for such a meaningful project.
By giving young players access to safe, quality tennis courts, Coco Gauff is helping remove financial and geographic barriers to the sport. Children who may never have had a racquet in their hands now have a place to learn, play, and dream.
Brian Vahaly, USTA chairman and interim co-CEO, highlighted the initiative’s impact: “The US Open Legacy Initiative, and the celebration of our 2023 Women’s Singles Champion Coco Gauff, has allowed us to support more than 100 facilities across the country and connect the highest level of our sport to local communities.
“By refurbishing the public courts at Joe W. Brown Park, we are expanding access to the game and giving more players a better place to play.”
As the sun set over the newly polished courts, and the laughter of children drifted in the air, Candi Gauff summed up her feelings perfectly. In two simple words she sent love, admiration and appreciation – a mother’s reaction to her daughter giving back in the most meaningful way possible.
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