Coco Gauff, the 23-year-old tennis sensation and world number two, has never shied away from engaging with her fans, whether on the court or online. After a surprising early exit at the 2025 Berlin Tennis Open, the reigning French Open champion found herself at the center of a fashion debate sparked by a fan’s critique of her stylish New Balance x Miu Miu outfit. In a candid and humorous Instagram response, Gauff clarified why she constantly adjusts her skirt and headbands during matches, revealing a mental strategy that keeps her grounded under pressure. As she gears up for the Wimbledon Championships starting June 30, 2025, Gauff’s resilience and charm continue to captivate the tennis world.
## A Stylish Swing and a Grass Court Stumble
Gauff’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. Fresh off her second Grand Slam singles title at the French Open, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final, she transitioned to the grass courts with high expectations. Her clay court campaign included a runner-up finish at the Madrid and Italian Opens and a quarterfinal at Stuttgart’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, cementing her as a versatile force. In Berlin, Gauff debuted a chic white ensemble with green and sky-blue accents from her exclusive New Balance x Miu Miu capsule collection, launched in April 2025. The outfit, featuring a cropped top, pleated skirt, and matching accessories, turned heads at the Steffi Graf Stadium.
However, her grass court season started with a 6-3, 6-3 loss to Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu in the round of 16, marred by 25 unforced errors and seven double faults. Despite the defeat, Gauff remained upbeat, posting on Instagram, “It was a tough one today, but I’m happy to be back on court 🙂 tried my best to adjust with the quick turnaround but it wasn’t enough. thank you berlin for the short but sweet visit, I’ll come back stronger next year 🫶🏾.” The post also showcased her “normal” game face, drawing praise for her intensity and style. “Big credit for you, New Balance and Miu Miu, for creating this stunning outfit. This is true art!!!” one fan gushed. But not all feedback was glowing.
## The Outfit Critique and Gauff’s Clever Clapback
One follower, Blessing Adesiyan, commented, “This outfit is a big NO. You kept adjusting it the whole time. They need to go back to the drawing board.” The critique suggested a wardrobe malfunction, but Gauff swiftly set the record straight with a playful yet pointed response: “@blessing.adesiyan I always adjust my skirts or headbands 😂 not because it doesn’t fit it’s just something to do with my hands to not crash out on court, redirecting my focus onto something else instead of negative thoughts. almost every outfit i’m always moving something around. y’all gotta think first 😭😂.” Her explanation revealed a deliberate ritual, akin to Rafael Nadal’s meticulous water bottle placements, designed to channel focus and ward off negativity during high-stakes matches.
Gauff’s response echoed Nadal’s own defense of his rituals: “Some call it superstition, but it’s not. If it were superstition, why would I keep doing the same thing over and over, whether I win or lose? It’s a way of placing myself in a match.” For Gauff, fiddling with her attire is a mental reset, a way to stay composed under pressure. Her candid clapback not only silenced the critic but also endeared her to fans, who admired her wit and transparency. “Coco’s got the game and the shade—love her for this!” one supporter tweeted.
## Fashion as a Superpower
Gauff’s Berlin outfit was the second in her New Balance x Miu Miu collection, following a debut at the Italian Open. She’s set to unveil a third ensemble at the Cincinnati Open later in 2025. Her love for fashion, inspired by Marvel superheroes and her idol Serena Williams, has made her a style icon. At the Australian Open earlier this year, Gauff’s superhero-inspired bodysuit with cutouts sparked buzz, though she humorously admitted its bathroom challenges: “You have to sacrifice for fashion.” Her Marvel fandom, from dressing as Deadpool for Halloween to appearing on a comic book cover, infuses her on-court looks with bold personality.
Despite the Berlin loss, Gauff’s compatriot CoCo Vandeweghe sees it as a “blessing in disguise.” In a Tennis Channel interview, Vandeweghe said, “This is not going to be her best surface, but you know what she is going to do. She is going to take this loss and really work on herself. That is what we have seen time and time again from Coco Gauff. She is the ultimate competitor.” Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci also offered advice via X, urging Gauff to “control the center of the court and make the baseline her closest friend” to master grass.
## Wimbledon Awaits
Gauff now turns her focus to Wimbledon, where she’s yet to advance past the fourth round, a milestone she reached in 2019, 2021, and 2024. Her 2019 debut, where she stunned Venus Williams as a qualifier, marked her arrival as a prodigy. With a 26-9 win-loss record in 2025 and a grass court ledger of 0-1, Gauff is determined to improve. Her New Balance partnership, which includes her CG2 signature shoes, will ensure she steps onto the All England Club’s courts in style. Fans can watch her campaign on ESPN or BBC, with the main draw kicking off June 30.
Gauff’s Berlin response highlights her ability to handle criticism with grace and humor, a trait that complements her ferocious game. As she prepares for Wimbledon, her mental rituals and fashion flair will be on full display. Whether she’s adjusting her headband or chasing a second straight Grand Slam, Coco Gauff is ready to make waves—on her own terms.
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