Cori Gauff
Professional tennis player, Grand Slam finalist, sports icon
Cori Gauff (born 2004) is an American professional tennis player who has become one of the sport's most exciting young talents. She turned professional at age 15 and made an immediate impact by qualifying for Wimbledon in 2019 at age 15, where she upset Venus Williams in the first round—a stunning upset that announced her arrival on the world stage. Her powerful groundstrokes, aggressive court positioning, and competitive intensity quickly established her as a generational talent. Gauff has reached Grand Slam semi-finals and finals, competed in multiple major tournaments, and has been ranked in the world's top 10. Beyond her on-court achievements, she has become an influential figure in tennis, known for her articulate discussions about mental health, social justice, and the pressures of professional sports. Her partnership with coach Brad Gilbert revitalized her career trajectory. Gauff represents a new generation of American tennis players bringing athleticism, mental toughness, and social consciousness to the sport. At a young age, she has already become a role model for aspiring athletes and has demonstrated the maturity and resilience required to thrive at tennis's highest levels.
Athlete
American
2004
Thinking about the name
Cori
Irish origin
“A shortened form of Corey or Corinna, Cori is bright, energetic, and unisex-friendly. The simplicity and brevity give it a modern, casual appeal that works across all ages and contexts. It's the kind of nickname-style name that has become fully legitimate as a given name in contemporary usage.”