Coco Gauff Champions Self-Expression Through Fashion on the Tennis Court
In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, American star Coco Gauff is making a powerful statement both with her athletic prowess and her deliberate fashion choices. As she progresses through the 2024 U.S. Open, the 20-year-old champion is challenging outdated notions about female athletes and appearance, asserting that personal style and professional excellence are not mutually exclusive. Currently ranked third in women’s singles at the tournament, Gauff has advanced to the third round with characteristic confidence, demonstrating that looking good and playing well often go hand in hand.
“I don’t know why it’s such a big deal what women choose to do with their on-court or off-court looks,” Gauff explained in a recent Vogue Beauty Secrets video, addressing critics who question her attention to aesthetic details like coordinated outfits, hairstyles, and manicures for major tournaments. Her response cuts to the heart of ongoing gender disparities in sports: “I’m like, ‘I’m a human. Tennis is what I do, but it’s not who I am. And I like to express my way just like any other person likes to express themselves.'” This perspective highlights the unnecessary scrutiny female athletes often face regarding their appearance—criticism their male counterparts rarely encounter. For Gauff, planning elements of her tournament look isn’t frivolous but rather another dimension of her professional preparation and personal identity.
The reigning U.S. Open champion approaches Grand Slam tournaments with meticulous attention to detail, extending beyond her training regimen to encompass her visual presentation. While Gauff notes it’s “very rare” that she coordinates all three aspects of her appearance—hair, nails, and outfit—for tournaments, she views this preparation as integral to bringing her best self to the court. “For me, that’s just showing up on court being the best version of myself,” she explained, adding that “if women want to do that, they should be celebrated and not persecuted for it.” Her philosophy echoes the sports adage “look good, play good,” suggesting that confidence in one’s appearance can translate to confidence in performance—a psychological edge that shouldn’t be dismissed in high-level competition.
Gauff’s tournament wardrobe has showcased this thoughtful approach, with her first two matches featuring a coordinated ensemble of a red New Balance top with a matching waistband, complemented by a white skirt and maroon accessories. This consistent look creates a visual signature that reinforces her professional brand while allowing her to express her personality within the constraints of tennis attire. As she prepares to face 28th-ranked Magdalena Fręch in the third round, Gauff carries both the pressure of defending her title and the freedom of expressing herself authentically on one of tennis’s biggest stages. Her straight-sets victory over Croatia’s Donna Vekić (7-6, 6-2) demonstrated that her attention to aesthetics hasn’t detracted from her competitive edge—if anything, it seems to enhance it.
The young champion’s stance resonates particularly strongly given her growing collection of major titles, including her 2023 U.S. Open victory and this year’s French Open championship. At just 20 years old, Gauff has already established herself as a formidable presence in women’s tennis, with her on-court style becoming as recognizable as her powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness. Her success challenges the outdated notion that female athletes must choose between being taken seriously as competitors and expressing traditional femininity. Instead, Gauff represents a new generation of athletes who refuse this false dichotomy, embracing all aspects of their identity while competing at the highest levels.
Ultimately, Gauff’s approach to tennis fashion reflects broader cultural shifts regarding gender, sports, and self-expression. By deliberately coordinating her tournament looks while continuing to excel athletically, she demonstrates that personal style and professional achievement can coexist harmoniously. As she continues her U.S. Open campaign, Gauff isn’t just playing for another Grand Slam title—she’s championing women’s right to define themselves on their own terms, both on and off the court. Her message is clear: female athletes shouldn’t have to choose between looking good and playing well. They can—and should—be celebrated for doing both, bringing their whole, authentic selves to every match they play.
