On the “Rennae Stubbs” podcast, tennis legend Rennae Stubbs and her co-host Caitlin Thompson shared their thoughts on Coco Gauff’s apparel during the WTA Finals. The 20-year-old American player, sponsored by New Balance since she was 14, enjoyed a stellar run in Riyadh, ultimately capturing her first-ever WTA Finals title with a three-set victory over Qinwen Zheng.
The discussion focused heavily on Gauff’s outfit choices, with mixed opinions from the hosts. Caitlin Thompson voiced some critique of New Balance’s past clothing selections for Gauff, noting that the company sometimes opts for designs that are extremely tight and revealing. Despite her critique, Thompson was quick to highlight that Gauff’s recent WTA Finals kit stood out positively. “Her stuff is often good, but a lot of times they put her in extremely tight and very revealing clothes,” Thompson said on the podcast. “This one I felt like was quite…she’s got an insane physique, so it’s not like anything’s going to be unflattering to her, but this one for me just was 10 out of 10.”
Stubbs and Thompson both acknowledged that despite the occasional controversial design choices, Gauff has maintained a strong and seemingly positive relationship with her long-time sponsor. New Balance has supported the young star’s meteoric rise in the sport, and together, they have even launched her signature sneakers, the CG1 and CG2, underscoring the close partnership.
Coco Gauff’s achievements on the court have garnered attention beyond her outfits, and her triumph at the WTA Finals provided a fitting end to an impressive season. Gauff did not shy away from addressing her critics after winning the title. Throughout the season, she faced scrutiny over her performances in Grand Slams, having reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and the French Open but falling in the fourth round at both Wimbledon and the US Open. Many questioned her consistency and ability to shine on the biggest stages.
However, Gauff’s resilience was evident in how she responded. She parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert and teamed up with Matt Daly. This coaching change seemed to have an immediate positive impact, as Gauff broke her trophy drought with two titles shortly after. Seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin praised Gauff’s ability to adapt and thrive despite setbacks. “She has a resilience that potentially will take her very far in terms of what she will win in her career,” Henin remarked in an interview with Eurosport. “She has the capacity to bounce back, and that’s the sign of a potentially very big future. Of course, there is a path to get there and achieve these successes.”
Gauff’s triumph at the WTA Finals was marked by impressive victories against top-tier opponents. In the group stage, she defeated Iga Swiatek, the former World No. 1, showcasing her ability to compete with the best. Her journey to the title also saw her knock out current World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, in the semifinals, a statement win that silenced any lingering doubts about her capability to deliver in high-pressure situations. With these wins, Gauff will finish the season as World No. 3 for the second consecutive year.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Gauff’s growth and determination continue to draw admiration from fans and analysts alike. Her confidence and maturity, evident in how she handles criticism and bounces back from defeats, are qualities that many believe will lead her to even greater heights in the future. As Henin suggested, Gauff’s resilience is not just a strength; it is a defining trait that could carve out a legacy similar to some of the sport’s greatest champions.
Gauff’s partnership with New Balance, her evolving game, and her remarkable success at such a young age paint the picture of a player destined for stardom. As she closes out her 2024 season, the tennis world eagerly anticipates what lies ahead for this young talent. Whether through stylish and performance-driven apparel choices or her powerful performances on the court, Gauff continues to be a standout figure, pushing boundaries and redefining expectations. As she prepares for the next chapter in her career, one thing is clear: Coco Gauff is far more than just a tennis player; she is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.