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Coronavirus serves Coco Gauff's family restaurant its final match

Tennis star's supporters frequently filled restaurant to cheer on Delray Beach teen
Coco Gauff and Paradise Sports Lounge
Posted at 4:16 PM, Nov 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-20 17:42:50-05

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Not even professional tennis fame could save Coco Gauff's family restaurant from the wrath of the coronavirus.

Paradise Sports Lounge in Delray Beach announced in a Facebook post Friday that it "has made the difficult decision to permanently close."

Thank you!!!! Thank you to our loyal employees. Thank you to our customers. Paradise Sports Lounge has made the...

Posted by Paradise Sports Lounge, Delray Beach, FL on Friday, November 20, 2020

"Although we tried to operate a business during these challenging times and more importantly provide stability and income to our loyal staff, we have made the ultimate decision to close," the post said. "Thank you for an incredible experience and support!"

Paradise Sports Lounge, owned by Gauff's father, was the de facto watch-party headquarters for the 16-year-old tennis star's matches. Dozens of supporters packed the restaurant in July 2019 during Gauff's impressive debut performance at Wimbledon.

Coco Gauff celebrates after beating Polona Hercog at Wimbledon in 2019
Coco Gauff celebrates after beating Slovenia's Polona Hercog in a women's singles match during day five of Wimbledon, Friday, July 5, 2019, in London.

The enthusiasm that often filled the restaurant, nestled in a shopping plaza at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Military Trail, was more subdued Friday afternoon. The doors to the restaurant were locked and a call placed to the listed telephone number went straight to a voice mail that was not accepting any new messages.