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.”
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 match, Gauff “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!
