Coco Gauff speaks out against criticism over her on-court glam: ‘It should be celebrated’

Coco Gauff is sharing her thoughts. At just 21, the two-time Grand Slam champion isn’t only battling opponents at the 2025 US Open, she’s taking on the critics who question her unapologetic passion for fashion. In a recent Vogue Beauty Secrets video, Gauff opened up about her style choices and how they play into her confidence and identity, both on and off the court.

“I plan my outfits for tournaments well in advance just because I like to know what I’m wearing,” Gauff shared in the video, revealing she even coordinates her nails to match her outfit, something fans can expect during her 2025 US Open run. 

But the star is quick to clarify that the full beauty trifecta, hair, nails, and outfit, is “very rare” for regular matches. “I try to make sure that the trifecta is complete for Grand Slams specifically,” she said.

However, Gauff has faced criticism for the attention she gives to her look. “I don’t know why it’s such a big deal what women choose to do with their on-court or off-court looks,” she said. “And I’m like, ‘I’m a human. Tennis is what I do, but it’s not who I am.’”

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She continued with confidence. “I like to express my way just like any other person likes to express themselves… For me, that’s just showing up on court being the best version of myself. But I definitely think if women want to do that, they should be celebrated and not persecuted for it.”

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In a previous interview with People, she revealed that her Grand Slam outfits are often conceived “two years… maybe sometimes longer” in advance. However, those ensembles remain flexible until “the big day.”

Her expressive style has evolved alongside her tennis. In 2024, she debuted honey-blonde hair inspired by Willow Smith, explaining, “Honestly, the inspiration pic was from [Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s daughter] Willow Smith,” she told the publication.

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During her first-round win at this year’s Open, she dazzled in a red crop top and white New Balance skirt, complete with neon sneakers and coordinated sweatbands. 

On the court, Gauff has been working tirelessly to refine her serve, a known vulnerability in her game. That’s why ahead of the tournament, she brought biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan into her camp. MacMillan, known for transforming Aryna Sabalenka’s serve, is now helping Gauff do the same.

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“The practice week was tough,” Gauff admitted after her dramatic first-round win over Ajla Tomljanović. “I was spending a lot of time on court last week literally serving until my shoulder was hurting.”

The nearly three-hour match saw her commit 10 double faults and face six service breaks, but she managed to battle through, which is another sign of her growing mental strength.

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“I don’t want to waste any more time,” she said. “If I could have worked with Gavin earlier, I would have… Hopefully, this time next year, I’ll be serving much better.” She believes the improvement is already showing, not just technically, but mentally.

“When I do it, it’s always a good result – it’s just reminding myself how to do it,” Gauff reflected. “It’s all mechanics. Now it actually makes sense… It is a bit of an obsession.”