The scoreline may not have gone Coco Gauff’s way at the Italian Open, but in the stands, there was no bitterness—just beaming smiles and warm camaraderie. Candi Gauff, Coco’s ever-supportive mom, was spotted sharing laughs and good vibes with Jasmine Paolini’s mother after the American’s tough loss. And honestly? It was the feel-good subplot we didn’t know we needed.
In a sport known for fierce rivalries and emotional rollercoasters, this courtside moment was a breath of fresh Italian air. Two mothers—on opposite sides of the net—bonding over shared experiences, mutual respect, and the pride of watching their daughters battle it out on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
Candi’s reaction was the epitome of grace in defeat. No grimaces, no side-eyes—just pure joy for the game and connection with a fellow tennis mom. And it’s not the first time she’s shown poise under pressure. Candi has become something of a lowkey icon on the tennis circuit: part cheerleader, part rock, part fashion inspiration.
Meanwhile, Jasmine Paolini’s star continues to rise, and with her mother in the mix too, this mom-duo moment might just go down as one of the most wholesome snapshots of the season.
Tennis is a solo sport, but moments like these remind us that behind every player is a team—and sometimes, even in defeat, there’s room for friendship, admiration, and a little courtside joy. After all, love is part of the game.