Coco Gauff, the rising tennis star, is facing questions from critics about her glam look at the U.S. Open. She has taken to defending her style choices, calling them a form of self-expression and emphasizing that her appearance is just as important as her performance on the court. The third-ranked player in women’s singles said that she spends just as much time on her appearance as she does on preparing for opponents.
In a Vogue Beauty Secrets video, Gauff said, “I don’t know why it’s such a big deal what women choose to do with their on-court or off-court looks. 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.” Gauff said she believes that if women want to express themselves through their style, they should be celebrated rather than criticized for it.
Gauff’s stylish outfit choices have not stopped her from performing well in the tournament. She won her first two matches to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open. Her latest victory was a straight-sets triumph over Croatian Donna Vekić, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, where she wore a red New Balance top with a red band around her waist, a white skirt, maroon headband, and arm band.
Gauff is hoping for a strong performance in the U.S. Open, having already collected the women’s singles title in 2023. She also won the France Open this year. Her performance at the U.S. Open could have a major impact on her overall ranking and could set the stage for her quest to win another Grand Slam title in 2024.