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WTA Diva Coco Gauff Reveals Deft Strategy to Balance Style Without Compromising On-Court Performance

After months of warm-up routines—which consisted of “dynamic stretching, different quick movements and footwork, and light hitting”—and clinching the China Open and the WTA Finals Riyad title—through strict nutrition like a plate of pasta before her matches and hydration—it’s time for Coco Gauff to RECOVER. Also to spill some beans about her holiday recovery hacks.

Makeup and Skincare are a significant part of self-care. And Gauff likes to keep it simple. It’s worth noting that she doesn’t apply makeup while competing. “I don’t wear makeup when I’m competing, so I do my best to make sure my skin looks good,” she said in an April interview with Pop Sugar. Apparently she also has a no-fuss skin care routine, with no specific products but just trying the ones she’s been gifted. According to her, the most important thing about her style is her hair.

For context, in early April, the 2024 highest-paid female athlete signed a multi-year sponsorship with an American multi-cultural beauty brand, Carol’s Daughter, founded by Lisa Price. While partnering with the brand, Gauff remarked, “As I’ve matured, I’ve started learning to embrace my hair more…When I play, I like to wear protective hairstyles because I need low-manipulation looks. When I was young, I committed myself to showcasing Black hairstyles when I play, and that’s something that I take pride in. Whether it’s box braids, twists, or my natural hair, it’s a form of self-expression that I’m really proud of, especially because you still don’t see it very often in our sport.” Eight months down the line, she is still hitting it in style!

In a December 11 chat with ESSENCE, a magazine that has a special place in the hearts of Black Women, the 20-year-old yet again touched upon protective style. Something that is “functional”-ly long lasting.

Speaking of how she serves looks and aces together, she said, “I have to make sure the style is protective and something that is functional and can withstand long matches and a lot of sweat,” Coco Gauff said. Boasting low maintenance beauty routine, “I remind myself that pressure is a privilege—it means I’m in a position to do something great.”

Coco Gauff

The 20-year-old is also crushing it in the fashion department. The Gen-Z player, who has a cool and trendy vibe, collaborated with American Eagle to launch her own clothing line in August. It may surprise many that this partnership dates back to when the athlete was just 15 or 16 years old. At 14, she signed her first contract with New Balance, where she has designed her own signature tennis shoes.

Circling back to her recovery mode, what else does Coco Gauff do in her downtime?

Coco Gauff’s off-Season approach to not “over train”

Although Coco Gauff keeps up her training in the off-season, her recovery routine is balanced. On and off the court, “physical recovery is all about giving my body what it needs.” After a matchGauff “usually immediately go ride the stationary bike to cool-down as well as stretch.” And while training in offseason, the American tennis player balances rest and intense training.

Gauff took to her social media a week ago to share her intense workout with French assistant Coach, Stéphane Dal Soglio, who has been working with various male and female athletes for more than 15 years. She captioned the video “Another season in the books, but time doesn’t stop! I’m ready to start gearing up for a strong preseason.”

“I focus more on building strength and endurance, so my training is more intense,” she futher explained in the interview. At the same time, she ensures rest remains a priority. “I stick to a strong training and recovery regimen, making sure I get enough rest and don’t overtrain,” she added.

For Gauff, recovery is not just physical but mental too. Alongside regular physiotherapy treatments, Gauff has “been trying to practice more mindfulness practices, like journaling and meditation.”

From protective hairstyles and overall style on court to intense off-season training, Coco Gauff’s routine is all about balance. Well, strength, style, and recovery: words that define Gauff aptly!

Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh has given an interview in which he explained why he thinks that Angel Reese has been “undervalued” during her rookie season.

With the 2025 season approaching, several WNBA teams will start new processes with new head coaches, including the Chicago Sky. The former Las Vegas Aces assistant coach will now have the task of bringing the best from Angel Reese and company, and he already has shared his thoughts on the forward’s rookie season, saying people ‘undervalue’ her.

“I think she handled her rookie year great,” Marsh said in a conversation with the ‘No Cap Space WBB’ podcast. “I mean, you set a record in rebounding and, to me, it’s still amazing that people kind of undervalue and undersell just what that was for a rookie.”

“I think it’s kind of unfair, not just to Angel but a lot of the rookies in the W, they’re expected to do so much in so little time. They’re not given the grace to grow,” the new Chicago Sky head coach continued. “We can’t take for granted just what Angel was able to do in her rookie year. And… she’s a winner.”

He added, “She’s doubted almost every year of her life and her career, and she continued to overcome, and that’s something you can build on. She hasn’t even scratched the surface yet of what I believe her potential could be.”

Angel Reese

Reese was one of the contenders for the Rookie of the Year Award

The 22-year-old’s rookie season was inspired, breaking several league’s records such as for the most consecutive double-doubles in a season with 15, most double-doubles by a rookie with 26, and set the WNBA record for the most single-season rebounds with 446 (later broken by A’ja Wilson).

While she ultimately lost out Rookie of the Year honors to Caitlin Clark, Reese’s first professional season proved her potential. With Marsh, who is known for his ability to develop talent, she might step into it next year.

For now, fans of Reese will be able to watch her play in Unrivaled, the new professional 3-vs-3 league. The league starts in January, and it will also feature other WNBA stars such as Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, DiJonai Carrington and more.

Comedian Matt Rife recently held a show in Indiana where he wore a Caitlin Clark jersey during his set. Rife had nothing but positive things to say about the Indiana Fever star, but he made a joke about Angel Reese that may have upset some WNBA fans.

“The longest yard is also what they call the distance between Angel Reese’s eyeballs,” Rife said. “If Angel Reese’s eyes were any more separated they’d be the Menendez brothers. Yeah, I’ll read about that one tomorrow, great.”

Clark and Reese’s rivalry is well known among WNBA fans. It began while they were still in college as Clark played for Iowa and Reese led LSU. Reese and Clark were both selected in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and their rivalry continued in the league.

Reese enjoyed a strong rookie season with the Chicago Sky. Clark, though, won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. Clark and Reese will receive no shortage of attention once again in 2025, especially when the Fever and Sky go head-to-head.

Rife’s jokes, meanwhile, were met with laughter for the most part. Rife is never afraid to speak his mind on stage. It will be interesting to see if Reese responds.

However, Angel Reese has done a tremendous job of tuning out criticism. She has continued to play well while accomplishing impressive off-the-court feats as well, such as starting her own podcast.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark

Angel Reese looking to have big 2025 WNBA season

Reese, 22, averaged 13.6 points per game in her rookie season. She also recorded 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per outing. Reese ended up shooting 39.1 percent from the field.

She established herself as one of the best rebounders in the entire WNBA. Reese would like to improve her shooting efficiency, though. If she can be more consistent with her shot, Reese will take a crucial step forward in her second season in the WNBA.

Angel Reese will have an opportunity to continue working on her game in the upcoming Unrivaled Basketball league, which is set to begin in January. The Sky star will be able to improve while playing against legitimate WNBA competition. It would not be surprising to see Reese play at a more consistent all-around level during the 2025 campaign.

Nevertheless, her rookie season was strong. She helped to keep the Sky in postseason contention until she suffered an injury late in the season. Reese displayed signs of potential, however, so it will be intriguing to see how she ends up playing in 2025.

The Chicago Sky forward is one of a host of names lined up to play in the league’s first season in January – while great rival Caitlin Clark has so far decided not to particate.

Reese has not been shy in listing all the benefits of playing in the new 3×3 league that pits some of the WNBA’s biggest names against each other in a new look league.

The league was co-founded by by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

The pair came up with the idea in 2023 in a bid to bypass complications from the WNBA’s prioritisation rule which creates issues for players who travel overseas to play in the off-season.

Players can now play domestically and get a sizeable financial incentive with each of the 36 players in the league guaranteed $250,000 for the eight-week season.

Reese, who recently disclosed that her WNBA rookie contract would not cover her rent, has spoken about the benefits of heading to the competition in South Florida.

“For one I’m staying in the states, I don’t have to go overseas. I’m making 6 figures, I’m living in Miami during my off-season, Reese said on The WAE Show.

“I’m playing 34 of some of the best WNBA players, being able to get better. Some of the best coaches, we got T-Spoon, we got Phil, we’ve got a lot of great coaches there.”

Reese herself is one of the best players in the WNBA and enjoyed a great debut season in 2024 after being drafted by the Chicago Sky.

The 22-year-old was a strong Rookie of the Year contender but her season-ending wrist injury meant Clark faced no competition for the prize come the end of season.

Angel Reese 

Clark has opted against the Unrivaled league for her offseason, choosing to focus on golf and down time after an intense debut season that was her claim Rookie of the Year honors alongside a host of records.

2025 is set to be another exciting year for women’s basketball and Reese also explained how desperate she is to play alongside more great players.

“I’m excited to like really dial in and get better. Obviously the games are going to be cool and fun, but I just want to learn from the vets and stuff,” Reese added as one of the benefits of the league.

The 22-year-old previously also spoke about the format being a motivator to play.

“Being able to know two great players that are starting something, I think it’s amazing.

“3-on-3 is something that I love to do, I haven’t been able to play competitively but I think I can work on some of my individual skills because 3-on-3 exposes everything. So I’m excited for it.”

Reese will play alongside a strong team in Unrivaled with Chelsea Gray, Brittney Sykes, Kahleah Cooper, Lexie Hull, and Azura Stevens joining her to form Rose Basketball Club.

The team of six will be led by 30-year-old Los Angles Sparks’s assistant coach Nola Henry.

Unrivaled tips off on January 14 in Miami.

Novak Djokovic could well have his eye set on having longer careers than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, according to former world No 3 Nikolay Davydenko.

Despite completing his Career Golden Slam in 2024 after winning gold at the Paris Olympics to go with his 24 Grand Slams, Djokovic has made it clear that he still has the motivation to continue playing.

He has even hired Andy Murray as his coach for the start of the 2025 campaign as he has started he wants to win more majors.

The Serbian – who started his professional career in 2003 – is the last man standing from the Big Three after Rafael Nadal joined Roger Federer in retirement this year.

Djokovic will turn 38 next May, the same age as Nadal was when he called it a day while Federer was 41 when he hung up his racket in August 2022.

Davydenko, who was forced to retire early due to injuries, was asked about playing once you have reached 40 and believes Djokovic could well be looking to surpass Federer and Nadal’s age record.

“I’m 43 years old… If I finished at 25 because of an injury, I could come back at 30 after recovering. At my age, my body can’t cope with such loads,” he told Match TV.

“Nadal wasn’t even 40, and he couldn’t physically fight with professionals from the top 50 at the same level. It’s useless. Federer at 40 tried to prove he was tough. But he didn’t prove anything.

Rafael Nadal

“Djokovic is doing the same thing now, he is trying to show that age is no problem for him. Novak is trying to cheat nature, but he can only do it for a couple of years.

Both Federer and Nadal retired as they struggled with injuries during the final few years of their career as the Swiss failed to overcome a knee problem while the Spaniard never fully recovered from the hip injury he sustained at the start of the 2022 season.

Djokovic has already broken dozens of Federer and Nadal’s records – including most Grand Slams won by a male player, most weeks spent at No 1 and most ATP Masters 1000 titles.

Davydenko added: “He’s trying to cheat nature. We’ll see if he succeeds. Maybe he wants to surpass Federer and Nadal’s record for longest career. Roger finished at 41, maybe Novak wants to reach that age. Maybe he’ll play fewer tournaments.”

It didn’t end how Rafael Nadal would have liked it to be. In his last tournament at the Davis Cup, the Spanish legend lost his singles tie against Botic van de Zandschulp. Subsequently, his team lost the tie 2-1 to bow out of the Davis Cup Finals. That defeat ensured it was the last match of Nadal’s professional tennis career which spanned over two decades. However, days after playing his final encounter, a big update on Nadal was released which left fans saddened.

Earlier today, Nadal officially registered himself as a retired player to ITIA. This comes weeks after he played his last match, ending any speculations on the U-turn on his retirement. This left his fans dejected, who were already reeling from the emotional journey that ended with the Spaniard’s loss at the Davis Cup.

Following his defeat there, Nadal said, “The titles, the numbers, are there, so people probably know that, but the way I would like to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca. Just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible. … I have been very lucky.”

Meanwhile, the news about Nadal officially registering as a retired player went viral on Reddit. Thousands of fans reacted to the grim update, with many making emotional comments.

Fans were left saddened as Rafael Nadal officially registered as a retired player

Rafael Nadal

A couple of years back, Roger Federer left tennis under similar circumstances. The Swiss maestro called time on his illustrious career at the Laver Cup in 2022. Like Federer, Nadal also came back and played just a match before his retirement. However, the fans are particularly sad about the way Nadal left tennis. One of the fans commented, “Rafa’s hit me much harder than Roger’s.”

Moreover, Nadal had tried to make a comeback several times this year, but constant injury setbacks kept him away from the court. As a result, fans hadn’t had enough of him on the court this year and they wanted Nadal to have one last laugh before his retirement. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and one fan said, “I was never going to be ready for this moment.”

Similarly, another Rafael Nadal fan felt that his idol retired very early even as he showed glimpses of good form during his Davis Cup appearance. As a result, one fan commented that he retired ‘too soon.’ Further, with Federer already retiring in 2022 and Nadal calling time on his illustrious career now, two of the famed ‘Big Three’ in tennis have left the sport. Thus, one Reddit user rightly said, “End of an era.”

While most of the fans were sad to see Nadal bidding adieu to the sport, one fan was impressed that Nadal got the timing of his retirement spot-on. The Spaniard has been reeling with injuries and didn’t have the legs to carry on any further. Thus, the fan commented, “So much respect for these superstars. Must be so difficult to retire and get the timing correct. He would probably retire in 2022 if he could go back Would have been beautiful to see Novak retire after Paris Olympics. Just go out like Sampras!”

Nadal would be keen to enjoy his post-retirement life and spend quality time with his loved ones. Do you think he will take up any other role in the sport anytime soon? Let us know in the comments below.

Angel Reese knows greatness when she sees it, and beauty, too.

The Chicago Sky All-Star has had amazing guest on her podcast “Unapologetically Angel” like Megan Thee Stallion, and Shaquille O’Neal. Game recognizes game with Reese no doubt.

Reese, who signed a historic deal with Reebok and has her own shoe coming that she announced while wearing a naughty secretary fit, attended the Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City on Wednesday night in a jaw-dropping look. She even got to meet Rihanna and go fangirl over her while Reese wore a stunning sheer all-black fit.

The 22-year-old Reese is also a huge fan of three-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter Gabby Thomas, who spoke at the awards show. While speaking, Reese posted a video of Thomas — who looked incredible — and captioned it with three words: “literally a BEAUTY” and tagged Gabby.

She’s definitely right: The 27-year-old Thomas from Austin, Texas, is literally a beauty, as well as a hell of an athlete who won three golds this summer in Paris.

Thomas herself is signed with New Balance for he shoes.

It looked like an incredible night with all-time athletes and entertainers in the building. Reese and Thomas were certainly two of the biggest showstoppers there.

Angel Reese Goes Viral In Jaw-Dropping Cheetah Print Outfit

WNBA star Angel Reese seemed to enjoy her Thanksgiving with her family.

The Chicago Sky rookie forward, who averaged 13 points and 13 rebounds a game in her inaugural WNBA season, was back home with her family in Maryland. The former LSU Tigers star, who transferred into the SEC program after starting her career with the Terrapins, was spending time with her mom and her brother, Julian Reese, who plays for Kevin Willard’s program in College Park.

Reese, an All-Rookie performer in 2024, turned heads with her jaw-dropping cheetah print outfit, which went viral on social media over the weekend.

WNBA fans seem to be pretty obsessed with the cheetah print outfit rocked by the Chicago Sky star.

“Sweetness Angel,” one fan wrote.

“It’s funny cuz I associate leopard print with Auntie ages lol,” one fan added.

“She look like somebody auntie,” one fan added.

“Single handedly carrying the wnba,” one fan added.

“She’s so fine..,” one fan added.

Reese, who won a national championship at LSU, missed the end of her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, suffering a season-ending wrist injury.

Angel Reese

“What a year,” she wrote.

“I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol🥲 Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so. I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break. ‘God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.'”

Reese is expected to make a full recovery and be at 100 percent health in time for the start of the 2024 WNBA season.

Angel Reese Goes Viral In Stunning New Selfies Promoting Kim Kardashian’s Skims

Angel Reese got fans’ attention with her latest selfies on her Instagram stories while wearing Kim Kardashian’s Skims.
Angel Reese might be enjoying her offseason with the WNBA right now. But she continues to attract a lot of attention from fans, especially with her latest pictures. The Sky forward posted pictures of herself donning Kim Kardashian’s athletic wear brand, Skims, to her Instagram story.
One fan joked about her play on the court, claiming, “Her jump shot broke af, she needs to be in the gym.” While another just praised her appearance, saying, “Damn Angel.”

In response to some of the comments slamming Reese for her earlier comments about not wanting to be sexualized, one fan rightly pointed out, “Her body her choice G.”

Reese has struggled in recent months with fan reaction to her appearance, with her mentor, Shaquille O’Neal, making some inappropriate comments about her during a podcast appearance together. Coming from someone who is like a father figure to her, something Shaq himself has said, it was quite an uncomfortable watch.

Reese’s interactions with fans haven’t been all that great, so you can understand her hesitation. She revealed recently how a WNBA fan was extremely rude to her for not signing an autograph. Having to deal with such a rabid and entitled fan would not have been easy.

It isn’t known whether the pictures Reese shared are just her showing her support and appreciation for Kardashian’s Skims brand or a sign that she might be signing an endorsement deal with them soon.

Skims usually do professional photoshoots with their brand ambassadors and models, so fans might just have to wait and see whether Reese is one of the new faces of the brand. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Reese go viral again if any professional photos from a possible Skims shoot come out.

Roger Federer sends emotional message to Rafael Nadal before his retirement as he picks out his favourite memories

Roger Federer has penned a touching tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of the Spaniard’s retirement.

In October Nadal announced he would end his career after the Davis Cup finals, and Spain will begin their campaign against the Netherlands.

After weeks of build-up in which plenty of tributes have been issued, Nadal will take to the court on Tuesday for what could possibly be the final match of his illustrious career.

Ahead of what will be a difficult week for the tennis world as they prepare to say goodbye to a legend, arguably the most important person in Nadal’s career outside of his family sent him an emotional message.

Roger Federer issued touching tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of his retirement

Roger Federer is arguably the most important person in Rafael Nadal’s tennis career outside of his family.

They shared a rivalry which changed the game and intense battles on court produced a solid friendship that has continued to grow as they have aged.

The pair shared some of their greatest moments on court together and impacted one another in a special way. This was illustrated in a touching message from Federer to Nadal ahead of representing Spain in the Davis Cup finals, in which the 43-year-old picked out some of their defining moments.

“As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional,” the 20-time Grand Slam winner wrote on X. “Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could.

“On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground. You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge.

“Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.  OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was—until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly.

“All that buzz I’d been hearing about you—about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday—it wasn’t just hype. We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together.

“Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens—historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.  I keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared. Promoting the sport together. Playing that match on half-grass, half-clay.

“Breaking the all-time attendance record by playing in front of more than 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Always cracking each other up. Wearing each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies.

Rafael Nadal

“I’m still grateful you invited me to Mallorca to help launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016. Actually, I kind of invited myself. I knew you were too polite to insist on me being there, but I didn’t want to miss it. You have always been a role model for kids around the world, and Mirka and I are so glad that our children have all trained at your academies. They had a blast and learned so much—like thousands of other young players. Although I always worried my kids would come home playing tennis as lefties.

“And then there was London—the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.”

Will Roger Federer be in Malaga to watch Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup finals?

It is unknown if Federer will be in Malaga to see Rafael Nadal retire from professional tennis.

When Nadal was asked if his former rival would be attending, the 22-time Grand Slam champion admitted the pair had not spoken about it.

“I didn’t talk to Roger. I think Roger has a busy schedule,” he explained. The Spaniard however quickly made sure to clarify that this was not due to any bad blood, suggesting the pair would stay in touch in the future.

“This is going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don’t think it’s going to be my last good-bye. So there’s going to be other chances to do something.” Federer, who won the Davis Cup with Switzerland in 2014, would end his message by wishing Nadal well in his final tournament.

Rafael Nadal

“Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done,” he said. “For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success.

“And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next. Rafa that! Best always, your fan, Roger.”

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