Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs and her podcast co-host Caitlin Thompson recently discussed Coco Gauff’s outfit at the 2024 WTA Finals, offering their thoughts on her attire, which was a subject of much attention during the tournament. Their conversation centered on the striking all-purple kit that Gauff wore for the final against Zheng Qinwen, as well as the comparisons to some of the 20-year-old American’s previous outfits.
Gauff, who had a remarkable run at the 2024 WTA Finals, clinched her maiden title with an impressive 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) comeback win over Zheng. The final was thrilling on many levels, with both women giving their all, but it was also noteworthy for the fashion choices of the finalists. While Gauff sported a bold purple New Balance ensemble, Zheng chose a Nike outfit in lighter purple tones, creating a visually stunning contrast.
On the latest episode of the *Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast*, Caitlin Thompson expressed her admiration for Gauff’s outfit, calling it the best she had seen the young American wear. “I love that the finalists wore purple. Coco’s New Balance kit was the best I’ve seen her in,” Thompson remarked, clearly impressed by the look. The purple theme seemed to symbolize strength and elegance, and both players wore it with confidence.
Rennae Stubbs, who has been a long-time advocate of Gauff’s style, agreed with Thompson’s assessment, noting that the World No. 3’s outfits throughout the year had been consistently stylish. “Her kits are often good,” Stubbs said, referencing the thoughtful designs that Gauff is often seen wearing on court. “But there is something about this particular kit that was just perfect.”
However, Thompson pointed out that Gauff’s past outfits have sometimes leaned toward the “extremely tight” and “very revealing” side of the fashion spectrum, drawing attention to the sometimes provocative nature of some of her tennis apparel. While Thompson acknowledged that these outfits were never unflattering on Gauff, she argued that the purple ensemble at the WTA Finals was a standout. “She’s got an insane physique, so it’s not like anything’s going to be unflattering on her, but this one for me was just 10/10,” Thompson said, praising both the elegance and the comfort of the outfit.
Rennae Stubbs chimed in, defending Gauff’s previous choices. “Her stuff is so good,” Stubbs asserted, adding that, despite some revealing designs in the past, Gauff always managed to look polished and poised on the court. There was an understanding from both Stubbs and Thompson that Gauff’s impeccable physique, which has often been a subject of discussion in the tennis world, made her capable of pulling off any outfit, but the latest look at the WTA Finals was clearly a favorite.
The conversation then shifted to Zheng Qinwen, Gauff’s opponent in the final, and her behavior during the trophy ceremony. Thompson found herself particularly amused by Zheng’s “sass” as she posed on the podium after the loss. “I really loved Qinwen’s sass on the podium. I don’t know if you saw but she was giving a lot of, ‘I’m on Vogue China’s cover right now.’” Thompson’s comment was lighthearted, but she suggested that Zheng wasn’t particularly pleased with the result of the match, despite her strong performance. Stubbs, who observed the interaction closely, agreed, mentioning the “frosty” handshake between the two players. “No, she was pissed. Did you see the handshake?” Stubbs asked. “Yeah, frosty,” Thompson replied, both women acknowledging the tension between the finalists despite the friendly nature of the rivalry.
In addition to the on-court action, Coco Gauff also made headlines for her stunning photoshoot before the tournament began, where she wore an elegant purple gown designed by local Saudi designer Yousef Akbar. The gown, a full-length, flowing piece, was a significant departure from the typical tennis attire, yet it reflected the athlete’s grace and poise. Gauff’s choice to wear a gown designed by a local talent was a deliberate effort to showcase Arab fashion and highlight Akbar’s work, which has garnered international acclaim. Akbar, who has dressed celebrities such as Beyoncé, has had his work featured in Vogue Arabia, and the opportunity to wear one of his creations was something Gauff was excited about.
In her pre-tournament press conference, Gauff explained her decision to wear a local designer, emphasizing the importance of spotlighting talent from the region. “Yeah, I thought it would be cool to first just highlight a designer from here. His name is Yousef Akbar. He’s won an award. I think the dress is featured on the cover of Vogue Arabia. He’s dressed Beyoncé and all these crazy celebrities,” Gauff said, clearly proud of her collaboration with the designer. She went on to express how happy she was with the final result, both in terms of how the dress looked and how she felt wearing it. “For me, it’s really important to highlight that. I’m happy with how the photos turned out. The dress looked great on me,” she added. Gauff also praised Arab designers for their mastery in the art of gown-making, particularly in terms of draping. “I think also Arab designers do the gowns and draping the best, to be honest,” she said, underscoring the cultural significance of her choice.
Following her triumph at the WTA Finals, Gauff returned to Florida, where she began her off-season by enjoying a “seafood date” with her grandmother. This moment of relaxation was a well-deserved break after her thrilling victory, and it marked a much-needed time to recharge for the next phase of her career. Gauff’s incredible journey continues to inspire, as she remains one of the brightest stars in the tennis world, celebrated not only for her athletic prowess but also for her confidence and style on and off the court.
Gauff’s win at the 2024 WTA Finals, combined with her graceful presence at the tournament, has cemented her status as a leader in the sport, not just for her skill, but also for her ability to influence fashion and inspire young fans around the world. As the tennis season draws to a close, fans are already looking forward to what the future holds for the 20-year-old champion.