March 13 marks a special moment for Coco Gauff, the world No. 4 and top-ranked American, as the two-time Grand Slam champion celebrates her 22nd birthday with 11 WTA Tour titles already shining on her résumé. Amid the spotlight and rising pressure, her mother, Candi Gauff, shared a heartfelt message on social media, reminding her daughter of strength and perspective.

In an Instagram post, mother Gauff shared two photos of herself with Coco. The images captured warm family moments. In the caption, Candi expressed both pride and love while reflecting on Coco’s journey.

“Happy birthday to my firstborn and FAVORITE daughter! May God continue to guide and order your steps,” she wrote.

“Keep living, keep going for your goals, allow yourself grace, forgive yourself often, make mistakes, move on from situations that don’t align with your spirit and growth, trust yourself, love, BE, grow, laugh, pause, and most importantly BREATHE!!!”

Candi added another powerful reminder in the same message.

“Remember these simple statements… This too shall pass, Oh Well!!!, it is what it is, never say die, pause and pray. Remember, I will always be your biggest supporter. I LOVE YOU, Always and forever, MOM!”

The message quickly went viral across social media, and Coco soon responded in the comments. The birthday girl expressed her appreciation with a simple reply.

“thank you mom, I love you,” she wrote. 

Coco also shared the post on her Instagram story, adding a short message to express her feelings: “🥹I love my mom.”

The support from her mother comes during an important phase of Coco’s career. Her 2026 season has not reached the championship level many expected. Several difficult results have followed one after another.

At the Australian Open, Coco lost in the quarterfinals to Elina Svitolina. She then suffered a first-round exit against Elisabetta Cocciaretto at the Qatar Open. Another defeat came at the hands of Svitolina in the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Her challenges continued at the Indian Wells Open. Coco retired mid-match against Alexandra Eala because of a left-arm injury. It marked only the second mid-match retirement of her career since the Cincinnati Open in 2022, while ongoing double-fault struggles have also created difficulties in her recent performances.

And as Candi Gauff shares her heartfelt words, Coco Gauff has also spoken about how her parents stood firmly by her side during months of growing pressure in her career.

Coco Gauff opens up about parents’ crucial role after moving out in 2024

On March 3, reporters asked whether her father still handles her car and whether her mother still does her laundry. Coco had once mentioned those things years earlier, and her response showed how her life had gradually changed.

“No, it’s actually quite the opposite. I now enjoy being by myself, and there are times, because I have my younger brothers, they’re like, ‘Are you spending the night here?’ I’m like, ‘No, I’m going back to my bed.’ My dad is still, he’s very kind. He still does take care of my car for me. When I’m gone, I’ll leave the keys, and if it needs to be taken to service, he’ll take it,” she said.

“Or if the air pressure in the tires are low, he’ll take it for me. My dad is very kind. But no, my mom doesn’t do my laundry anymore unless I’m literally sick, which I haven’t been. At the tournaments, she does it. When she’s here, and there is a laundry room, she will do it, but not at home,” she added.

Recently, there has been uncertainty surrounding Coco’s physical condition. There has been no official update from her team about the MRI findings. The silence has created concern among tennis fans.

The timing is important because the Miami Open is approaching. The tournament is one of Coco’s favorite events and is often considered her home event. Many fans now wonder if she can recover quickly and make a deep run after celebrating her birthday.