Coco Gauff, one of the brightest stars in the tennis world today, recently shared her thoughts on Zendaya’s new film, *Challengers*, a gripping drama that delves into the intense world of professional tennis. In the movie, Zendaya portrays Tashi Duncan, a talented and fierce tennis player entangled in a complex love triangle with two fellow athletes. Gauff’s reaction to the film was not only enthusiastic but also laced with humor and personal reflections, offering fans a delightful glimpse into her life off the court.
#### A Personal Revelation
After watching *Challengers*, Gauff humorously commented on Instagram that the film made her thankful her boyfriend doesn’t play tennis. “I told my boyfriend, ‘Thank God you don’t play tennis,’ because [Tashi Duncan is] right, I would not want to date a scrub on tour,” she said, according to an Instagram post from ESPNW. Her playful remark quickly gained traction, prompting Gauff to clarify in the comments, “I was joking bruh 😭😭 plz don’t take this seriously.”
This lighthearted comment resonated with many fans, highlighting the competitive nature of professional sports and the unique dynamics that come with relationships within the same field. Gauff’s candid humor and relatable insight reflect her charismatic personality, which has endeared her to fans around the globe.
#### Keeping Her Relationship Private
While Gauff has generally kept her personal life out of the spotlight, she recently opened up about her relationship in an interview with *Time* magazine. The 20-year-old tennis star revealed that this is her “first real relationship” and emphasized how refreshing it is to have someone in her life who is not involved in the tennis world. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective,” she said.
Interestingly, Gauff’s connection to her boyfriend runs deeper than one might expect. Her mother, Candi Gauff, was actually his fourth-grade teacher in Atlanta. Candi, known for her protective and supportive nature, added a humorous yet insightful remark about her daughter’s boyfriend. “My mom always said, if they’re bad in school, they’re probably bad as adults,” she quipped. Fortunately, she had nothing but praise for her daughter’s partner, describing him as “always a smart, nice kid.”
#### Gauff’s Review of *Challengers*
Gauff didn’t just watch *Challengers*—she actively engaged with the film’s themes and characters, providing a thoughtful review during an Instagram Live session. “I thought it was a really well-done movie,” she told her followers, praising the film’s authenticity and storytelling.
What stood out most to Gauff was Zendaya’s portrayal of Tashi Duncan. She imagined how she would have interacted with Tashi if they were both real-life tennis pros. “I think in a weird sense, Tashi and I could have been friends on tour. Not close friends—we would have been frenemies. We would have respected each other,” she mused. This comment reflects Gauff’s understanding of the competitive yet respectful relationships that often exist on the professional tennis circuit.
#### A Special Connection to the Film
Gauff’s connection to *Challengers* goes beyond being a fan of Zendaya’s work. Her coach, Brad Gilbert, served as the athletic trainer for the film’s cast, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her viewing experience. During her Instagram Live, Gauff encouraged fans to watch out for Gilbert’s cameo in the movie, jokingly calling him a “future Oscar nominee.”
Before the film’s release, Gauff had already heard behind-the-scenes stories from Gilbert. During the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Germany on April 17, she shared some insights her coach had provided about Zendaya’s preparation for the role. “I have some Zendaya stories. Not any bad ones—just about her training for the movie,” Gauff revealed. She mentioned that Gilbert was impressed by Zendaya’s dedication, noting that the actress “picked it up decently well.”
“It’s hard to replicate tennis, but one thing he did say is that she is a hard worker. She was trying as hard as she could to make it as perfect as she could, and she’s a super-sweet girl,” Gauff added.
#### Gilbert’s Praise for Zendaya and the Cast
Brad Gilbert, who has worked with some of the biggest names in tennis, including Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, had high praise for the *Challengers* cast. He described the filming process as enjoyable and noted the strong camaraderie among the actors. “The cast was fun to work with,” he told *PEOPLE*, adding that they shared plenty of “chemistry and camaraderie.”
Gilbert was particularly impressed by Zendaya’s work ethic and commitment to her role. “She has a lot of DNA of a tennis player,” he said, highlighting her dedication, focus, and determination. “She’s a pleasure to be around… because of the focus, the grit, the determination it takes to transform yourself to become this character.”
#### Gauff’s Love for Zendaya
As a self-proclaimed fan of Zendaya, Gauff’s excitement about *Challengers* was palpable even before she saw the film. Her admiration for the actress extends beyond the screen, as she appreciates Zendaya’s hard work and authenticity. Gauff’s enthusiasm for the movie, combined with her coach’s involvement and her own reflections on the tennis world, made her review particularly compelling for fans.
#### The Broader Impact
Gauff’s reaction to *Challengers* and her playful comments about dating within the tennis world offer a relatable perspective for fans, blending humor with genuine insight. Her openness about her relationship and her thoughtful review of the film provide a glimpse into the personal side of one of tennis’s brightest stars. As she continues to rise in her career, moments like these remind fans that Coco Gauff is not only a phenomenal athlete but also a charismatic and thoughtful individual.
In sharing her thoughts on *Challengers*, Gauff has once again demonstrated why she is such a beloved figure in the sports world—authentic, insightful, and always ready to connect with her audience.