"Coco Gauff was destined for greatness... you made me proud" - American's grandmother encourages her to embrace grandfather's 'never say die' spirit

Coco Gauff's grandmother Yvonne Lee Odom recently shared heartwarming sentiments about her granddaughter, expressing her immense love for the 20-year-old. Odom also reminded Gauff of her grandfather's empowering message.

Gauff's grandmother broke new ground by becoming the first Black person to attend Seacrest High School in Florida. The World No. 3 has been open about drawing inspiration from Odom's kindness and grace while dealing with "racial injustice" during her integration in school.

Coco Gauff also credited her grandmother as the "main" influence behind her decision to use her platform to advocate for important social and political issues.

"Yeah, I think she's probably "the" sole or one of the main reasons why I use my platform the way that I do and why I feel so comfortable speaking out," Gauff said in a press conference at the 2023 US Open.

Their close bond was recently on display, as Yvonne Lee Odom shared a touching message for the 20-year-old. In a social media clip depicting the celebrations for Gauff's triumph at the 2023 US Open, her grandmother reflected on how she always believed that her granddaughter had been "destined for greatness" since childhood.

Odom expressed her love for World No. 3, advising her to always give her best. She reassured Gauff that, win or lose, she would remain incredibly proud of her accomplishments. Odom also encouraged her granddaughter to embrace her grandfather's "never say die" spirit.

"Coco, to me, was destined for greatness because as a little girl, she displayed that in many ways. I love you, you know I always say I love you, but do your best," Odom said.

"You know I’ve always said that because if you do your best, win or lose, I might not care if you win another match, you already made me proud. So always, do your best. Like your grandaddy said, 'Never say die,'" she added.

The World No. 3 was touched by her grandmother's heartfelt words, sending her love to Odom on social media.

"❤️❤️❤️," Gauff commented on the post.

"Love my grandma," she posted on her Instagram story.

Coco Gauff's comment and Instagram story

"You look at Coco Gauff and her support system with her family, this is like her destiny" - Danielle Collins

Coco Gauff with her parents (Source: Getty)

Danielle Collins recently echoed Coco Gauff's grandmother's sentiments about the World No. 3 being destined for success, highlighting her compatriot's "god-given talent" for tennis.

During a recent appearance on the Advantage Connors podcast, Collins expressed her admiration for the 20-year-old's family and support system, applauding them for their role in the "phenomenal" job Gauff had done.

"There are a lot of people that are cut out for and do a phenomenal job. I mean, you look at someone like Coco Gauff and her support system with her family. And I think this is like her destiny, this is you, know, her god-given talent and it is what she is truly meant to be doing," Collins said.

Coco Gauff has arrived in Riyadh for the 2024 WTA Finals, scheduled to commence on November 2. Danielle Collins, meanwhile, is training for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals after announcing her decision to postpone her retirement.