The French Open is currently abuzz with Elisabetta Cocciaretto’s fourth-round rivalry against Coco Gauff. While the 23-year-old Italian sets the stage on fire in Paris with her performance, her rise to success has turned heads in the tennis world. However, very little is known about her background or her parents. Therefore, curiosity has peaked among fans, who now question who her parents are and whether the passion for tennis runs in her parents as well.

The No. 2 Italian WTA player’s rise since her graduation from junior-level tennis has been nothing short of remarkable. After seven years of turning pro, Elisabetta Cocciaretto has one WTA title and 3 WTA Challenger titles to her name. Now, she is on her way to fulfill her grand slam dream in Paris. But how did the journey of the former No. 29 player get started? Well, the answer lies in her love for tennis, which started when she was only 6 years old. Behind the scenes of the player’s passion lie her supportive parents, who introduced her to tennis. 

“My father was playing. Not playing tournaments, just playing. There was an U12 tournament in Porto San Giorgio, and one day I went to watch the boys and girls playing there. I was five. And I said, “Papa, I want to play.” And my father said, “OK, you will play in October,”” she once revealed. Her father, Pierro Cocciaretto, also played tennis when he was young, but never professionally. 

However, unlike the father-daughter duo, Elisabetta Cocciaretto once revealed how her mother, Jessica Cocciaretto, didn’t play tennis, “not so much,” she once admitted. Rather, she once revealed, “my mother is in politics.” However, when it came to her daughter wanting to play tennis, both joined in to support her journey and the Italian’s interest grew stronger. “The coach said I was good and I could do well, and I started at seven, eight, nine to play little tournaments. And then the passion grew every day,” she added. 

What added more to her love for tennis was putting up a fight. Known for her aggressive style of play, Cocciaretto further added, “I just like playing, and I like so much the fight – if I lose or if I win.” However, off the court, her interest lies elsewhere.

Elisabetta Cocciaretto describes her love for academics and other sports beyond tennis

Elisabetta Cocciaretto not only enjoys tennis but finds a whole new world of interests in swimming and dancing as well. However, by the age of 8, she realized her true passion was for tennis. But that didn’t overshadow her love for academics when she grew up. Holding a degree in law from the University of Camerino, the Italian player once revealed why she chose law in the first place.

“I was good at school and I like studying, so I wanted to continue to university. I wanted to know more about the culture of government and how things work. But I don’t like maths, so I didn’t want to study economics. I have a good memory, so that helps with law.”

Elisabetta Cocciaretto’s inspiring journey both on and off the court in different arenas is a source of inspiration for many young athletes. Especially when it comes to taking on challenges and fulfilling them. With the help of his parents’ love and support, she is all about making dreams come true.