Coco Gauff’s “Jorts” Moment: A Blend of Tennis Talent and Unplanned Style
Coco Gauff, the young tennis sensation and World No. 3, is no stranger to making headlines—both for her performances on the court and her impact off it. This week, however, Gauff found herself in the spotlight for an unexpected reason: her choice of attire during a casual practice session. Sporting denim shorts, or “jorts,” paired with her signature New Balance tennis shoes, Gauff inadvertently made a bold fashion statement that quickly became a talking point across social media.
A Style-Infused Sport
Tennis has long been a sport where style and performance intertwine. Over the years, players have introduced both memorable and questionable fashion trends to the court. From John McEnroe’s striped tube socks to Rafael Nadal’s capris, and even Carlos Alcaraz’s nasal strip, tennis fashion has often sparked debate. Gauff’s jorts moment may not have been a deliberate style choice, but it has earned her a place in this quirky lineage of on-court fashion experiments.
From Concert Stage to Practice Court
The origin of Gauff’s denim moment was far removed from the competitive tennis circuit. Over the weekend, the 20-year-old attended Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles. With the tennis season officially over, Gauff was enjoying some well-deserved downtime. However, as a dedicated athlete, she couldn’t resist the urge to hit the practice court—even if it meant improvising her outfit.
Without access to her usual New Balance performance gear, Gauff opted for what she had on hand: a pair of denim shorts. Pictures of her practice session, featuring Gauff alongside American singer-songwriter Faye Webster, soon began circulating on social media. Fans and followers were quick to react to the unorthodox outfit, prompting Gauff to address the situation directly.
Taking to her Instagram story, Gauff shared a lighthearted video of herself playing in the jorts. She captioned the post: “ntm (not to mention) on my jorts 😂 it was all I had lolll wasn’t planning on hitting 😭💀.”
A New Balance Star
While her jorts moment might have been a one-off, Gauff’s consistent influence on tennis fashion is undeniable. Since signing with New Balance at just 14 years old in 2018, she has become one of the brand’s most prominent athletes. Her collaboration with the company has led to a signature shoe line—a rare achievement among active WTA players.
In November 2022, Gauff reaffirmed her partnership with New Balance by signing a long-term extension, solidifying her status as a key figure in sports fashion. Her signature tennis shoes have been celebrated for their style, performance, and connection to her personal brand.
Gauff’s influence extends beyond the court. In 2023, she was named the highest-earning female athlete in the world, amassing $23 million, with an estimated $16 million coming from endorsements alone. Her financial success underscores her ability to merge athletic excellence with marketability, making her a trailblazer for the next generation of athletes.
A Stellar 2024 Season
Jorts aside, Gauff’s 2024 season was nothing short of remarkable. She concluded the year as World No. 3 with an impressive record of 52-16 and three singles titles. Her consistency and resilience throughout the year solidified her position as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Additionally, Gauff had the honor of serving as a flagbearer for Team USA at the Paris Summer Olympics, a testament to her growing status as a global icon. Her accomplishments on the court, combined with her off-court endeavors, have made her one of the most influential figures in tennis today.
A Fun, Relatable Moment
Gauff’s jorts moment resonated with fans not only for its humor but also for its relatability. It was a reminder that even elite athletes occasionally find themselves improvising in unexpected situations. Her ability to laugh at herself and engage with her audience further endears her to fans around the world.
The denim shorts incident may not have been a planned fashion statement, but it speaks to Gauff’s authenticity and unfiltered approach to life. Whether she’s dominating on the court or playfully addressing her wardrobe choices, Gauff continues to captivate audiences with her charm and talent.
Looking Ahead
As Gauff looks forward to the 2025 season, her focus will undoubtedly remain on building on her successes. Her meteoric rise in the tennis world has been marked by relentless determination, a charismatic personality, and a deep connection with fans. While the jorts episode was a lighthearted diversion, it highlighted Gauff’s ability to remain grounded despite her fame and success.
Tennis fans and fashion enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as Gauff continues to shape the sport—both with her game and her style. Whether she’s in performance gear or an impromptu pair of jorts, one thing is certain: Coco Gauff knows how to make an impact.