Father’s Day is a special occasion for many, and this year, tennis stars across the globe took to social media to celebrate the men who have played pivotal roles in their lives. From heartfelt messages to nostalgic photographs, players like Coco Gauff, Maria Sharapova, and Leylah Fernandez led the tennis community in honoring their fathers and father figures.
Coco Gauff: A Father’s Guidance Coco Gauff, the young American sensation who has taken the tennis world by storm, shared a touching tribute to her father, Corey Gauff. On her Instagram, Coco posted a series of photos spanning her childhood to her recent victories on the court, each image a testament to the strong bond she shares with her dad.”Happy Father’s Day to the best dad ever,” she wrote.
Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to be my best. Your support means the world to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.”Corey Gauff has been a constant presence in Coco’s career, serving as her coach and mentor.
His dedication and commitment have been evident in every step of her journey, from her breakout performance at Wimbledon to her rise in the WTA rankings.
The post garnered thousands of likes and comments from fans and fellow athletes, all echoing Coco’s sentiments and celebrating the special bond between father and daughter.
Maria Sharapova: Celebrating New Beginnings Maria Sharapova, the retired Russian tennis star, also shared a heartfelt message on Father’s Day. This year is particularly significant for Sharapova, as she recently welcomed her first child with fiancé Alexander Gilkes. In her post, Sharapova shared a tender photo of Gilkes holding their newborn son, along with a caption expressing her gratitude.”Happy first Father’s Day to the love of my life. Watching you become a father has been the greatest joy. Thank you for being the most amazing partner and now, the most wonderful father to our little one,” she wrote.
Sharapova’s message resonated with many, highlighting the new chapter in her life as she transitions from tennis star to mother. Fans flooded her post with well-wishes, congratulating the couple on their new addition and celebrating their journey into parenthood.
Leylah Fernandez: A Father’s Legacy Canadian rising star Leylah Fernandez took the opportunity to honor her father, Jorge Fernandez, who has been instrumental in her tennis career. Jorge, a former professional soccer player turned tennis coach, has guided Leylah from a young age, helping her develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed on the global stage.
Happy Father’s Day to my incredible dad,” Leylah wrote in her Instagram post. “Your passion, dedication, and love have shaped me into the person I am today.
Thank you for every sacrifice and for always standing by my side.
Accompanying her message was a series of photos capturing moments from her childhood to her recent achievements, including her memorable run to the US Open final. The post was a touching tribute to the man who has been her coach, mentor, and biggest supporter.
A Tennis Family Tribute Beyond these individual tributes, the broader tennis community also celebrated Father’s Day with a flood of posts and messages. Players like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams shared their own tributes, each expressing love and appreciation for their fathers and the father figures in their lives.
The ATP and WTA Tours joined in, sharing compilations of player messages and highlighting the role fathers play in the lives of athletes.
The collective outpouring of love and gratitude underscored the importance of family support in the demanding world of professional tennis.
