MusaCoco Gauff may have suffered an early exit at the Berlin Open, but it wasn’t just her game that had fans talking—it was her outfit. Following her unexpected loss, the 20-year-old American made a candid admission that had both fashionistas and tennis fans buzzing: she wasn’t feeling her look on court.
Yes, even top athletes have their off-days—and apparently, that includes their wardrobe choices. “I just didn’t feel like myself out there,” Gauff said in the post-match interview. “Honestly, I wasn’t loving the outfit. It might sound silly, but it kind of threw me off.”
Now, before you roll your eyes at the idea of a tennis outfit impacting performance, let’s be real—confidence is everything, especially under the spotlight of elite sport. Gauff, known for her power-packed game and youthful energy, is also one of the WTA’s most stylish stars. Whether it’s her bold color choices, sleek braids, or statement sneakers, Coco has built a brand that’s as much about flair as it is about forehands.
So when she steps on court feeling less-than-fabulous? It matters.
Social media exploded with fans both defending and dissecting her comments. Some praised her honesty and relatability—after all, who hasn’t had a bad day made worse by the wrong outfit? Others questioned whether it was just an excuse for a subpar performance. Either way, Gauff’s admission adds a human touch to the high-stakes world of pro tennis. She’s not just a machine cranking out aces—she’s a 20-year-old trying to balance fierce competition with personal expression.
Of course, fashion wasn’t the only issue in Berlin. Gauff’s game looked slightly off-rhythm, and her opponent took full advantage. But leave it to Coco to bring attention not just to the scoreboard, but to how an athlete feels on court. In a sport where the mental edge is everything, even something as simple as a top that doesn’t sit right can throw you off your game.
The silver lining? Coco’s already eyeing Wimbledon, where she promises a fresh mindset—and yes, a fresh look. “I’m switching it up,” she said with a grin. “You’ll see.”
Whether it’s tennis or style, Coco Gauff never plays it safe. And that’s exactly why the world can’t stop watching.
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John Owolabi