As the world’s No. 2 tennis star, Coco Gauff is no stranger to the relentless grind of the WTA tour. Yet, on June 21, 2025, the 21-year-old American carved out a moment of serenity in London, treating herself to a “solo date” just days before the Wimbledon Championships. Stepping away from the grass courts and rigorous training, Gauff savored a delicious meal at a cozy London restaurant, a rare pause that showcased her ability to balance the pressures of stardom with the simple joys of self-care. With a playful Instagram post captioned, “Solo date in London, just me and my food,” Gauff gave fans a glimpse into her life off the court, radiating charm and relatability.
Gauff’s London interlude comes at a pivotal moment in her glittering career. Fresh off her second Grand Slam singles title at the 2025 French Open, where she also claimed the doubles crown with Kateřina Siniaková, Gauff is chasing her first Wimbledon singles title. Her grass-court preparations have been intense, including a quarterfinal run at the Berlin Open and a grueling week of practice at the All England Club. “I’m feeling good, but grass is always a challenge,” Gauff shared in a recent press conference, acknowledging the surface’s demands. Her solo date, complete with a mouthwatering dish—she hinted at indulging in pasta, a nod to her Barilla endorsement—offered a mental reset before the tournament’s July 1 start. “Sometimes you need to step back to move forward,” she mused, reflecting on the importance of downtime.
This isn’t the first time Gauff has embraced London’s charm to recharge. In 2023, she planned an escape room adventure and a Harry Potter studio tour during her Eastbourne warm-up, noting, “It’s nice to chill for a bit before Wimbledon gets crazy.” Her love for the city, which she likens to her Delray Beach hometown, shines through in these moments. “London feels like a home away from home,” she said, appreciating its vibrant energy. This year, however, Gauff opted for solitude, a choice that resonates with her growth as a young woman navigating fame. After a tough 2024 Wimbledon, where she fell in the fourth round to Emma Navarro and clashed publicly with coach Brad Gilbert, Gauff has leaned into self-reflection. “I’ve learned to enjoy my own company,” she told reporters, a testament to her maturity.
Gauff’s journey since her 2019 Wimbledon debut, when she stunned Venus Williams at age 15, has been a whirlwind. Now a two-time major champion with 10 singles titles, including the 2023 US Open and 2024 WTA Finals, she carries lofty expectations. Yet, her solo date underscores her grounded nature. Fans flooded social media with praise, one writing, “Coco living her best life!” while another quipped, “That pasta better fuel a Wimbledon trophy!” Gauff’s ability to connect with her audience, whether through candid posts or her infectious smile, has made her a global icon. Her parents, Corey and Candi, who will join her for Wimbledon, remain her rock, though her boyfriend—whose identity she keeps private—won’t attend, as he’s staying stateside. “It’s easier for him to come to U.S. tournaments,” she explained.
As Wimbledon approaches, Gauff is a top contender, seeded second behind Iga Świątek. Her first-round clash with Caroline Dolehide promises fireworks, but Gauff’s focus extends beyond the court. With the Paris Olympics looming, where she’ll compete in singles and doubles with Jessica Pegula, Gauff is savoring each moment. Her London solo date, a quiet celebration of self, is a reminder that even champions need a break to recharge for the battles ahead.
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