Delray Beach resident Coco Gauff ready for breakout at U.S. Open

NEW YORK — In the past few years, since becoming a full-fledged member of the WTA tour, Coco Gauff spends about three to four months a year in Delray Beach. She attempts to sneak home every chance she gets between tournaments.

The 18-year-old Gauff, the 12th seed entering Monday’s U.S. Open, jokes that her grandfather, Eddie Odom, gets noticed as much around town as her. Odom was a pioneer who formed a Little League in Delray Beach open to Black kids and has a field named after him.

“My family has been living in Delray long before I was born,’’ Gauff told The Palm Beach Post Sunday in Flushing Meadows. “So, if anything, my grandparents get recognized just as much as I do. Yes, people recognize me, but everyone is always superfriendly and respectful and I don’t mind taking the time to say 'hi.' ’’

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Gauff, who plays her first-round match vs. qualifier Leolia Jeanjean of France Monday at 23,000-seat Ashe Stadium on the opening-day afternoon card, could soon be on the verge of superstardom, much like her idol and Palm Beach County neighbor Serena Williams.

When she’s in Florida, Gauff can be found hitting at the Delray Beach Tennis Center. She also has been involved in local civic matters, including speaking at a Black Lives Matter rally and speaking out against the Parental Rights in Education bill — known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill by people who oppose the legislation — before it was passed in March by Florida lawmakers.

As far as playing tennis in Delray Beach, there’s nothing like the intense South Florida heat to get her primed for New York’s jewel.

“I don’t think I take advantage of it (but) I have no other choice,’’ Gauff said with a laugh. “But it definitely helps with my stamina and preparing for long matches.’’

Serena plans to be home a lot more in Palm Beach Gardens in tennis retirement and has indicated a desire for a second child. They don’t really see each other when in town, but perhaps Serena will want to get together more during post-tennis life. (A source close to Williams said she has no plans to coach or even do tennis broadcasting.)

“Yeah, I mean she will always be a role model and inspiration to me,’’ Gauff said. “She’s the greatest our sport has ever seen. Yeah, but we don’t see each other or hit with each other when we are both home.’’

Friday at Media Day, Gauff reflected on the first time they met — in Palm Beach Gardens. Gauff doesn’t think Williams is evenaware of the encounter.

“She definitely doesn’t know this,’’ Gauff said. “They needed a stunt double to play a young version of her [from] just the face down. I think it was for a Delta commercial. I don’t think they ever used it, but that was, like, my first check I ever got as a kid. She doesn’t know this, but the first money I ever made for myself was because of her doing a commercial.

“I met her. I stopped by her trailer, took a picture. She probably doesn’t even know. My mom actually sent me a picture, like, a couple weeks ago of me waiting, getting my hair done by the people.”

Williams, who is playing her final tournament at the Open, became a significant role model to young Black kids such as Gauff. And she wants to take the mantle from Serena and keep it moving.

“I wlll always use my platform to speak out and raise awareness on topics that are important to me,’’ Gauff told The Post, “I remember when I was younger looking up to different role models. So if I can give a little girl or boy that same inspiration, yes, I take that role seriously.’’

And there’s a very good reason it does matter so much.

“Growing up, I never thought that I was different because the No. 1 player in the world was somebody who looked like me. I think that’s the biggest thing that I can take from what I’ve learned from Serena,’’ Gauff said.

Gauff’s breakthough Grand Slam event came in Paris when she marched to the French Open Finals. She didn’t fare as well at Wimbledon, losing in the third round.

Win against Naomi Osaka, loss to Simona Halep in tuneups

In the Open tuneups, Gauff had mixed results. She beat Naomi Osaka in San Jose, won three matches in Toronto before being upended by the established Simona Halep. (They could meet at the Open in the fourth round).

Then in Cincinnati, in her first match two weeks ago, she retired early in the second set with a lower-leg injury. Even so, there’s expectation she can post her best Open showing and get into her first Flushing Round of 16.

Last week, she found out she’s already ranked No.1 in doubles with Jessica Pegula as partner. The pair open Wednesday in the doubles draw and could face the Williams sisters there. .

“Didn’t even know there were separate rankings from singles and doubles,’’ Gauff said. “Hopefully one day we can get the No. 1 singles ranking. I guess my goal now is to try to be No. 1 at them both at the same time. That might take some time, but that would be pretty cool, too.’’

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Coco Gauff, Serena Williams ready for U.S. Open tennis