Under the starry Madrid sky, Coco Gauff’s 2025 Madrid Open campaign ignited with a thrilling comeback and an unforgettable off-court moment that left the tennis world buzzing. On April 24, the 21-year-old American star battled through a grueling second-round match against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, only to be stunned by a devoted fan’s extraordinary tribute—a tattoo of Gauff’s signature and name, inked as a permanent testament to her admiration. This heartfelt interaction, shared across social media, underscored the unique bond Gauff shares with her supporters in the Spanish capital, where the “Madrid energy” continues to fuel her journey.
Gauff’s match against Yastremska was a rollercoaster that tested her resolve. The world No. 4 endured a disastrous start, dropping the first set 0-6 as her serve faltered, landing just 29 percent of first serves and winning a mere five points on her delivery. Visibly frustrated, Gauff was seen venting to her coaching box, grappling with the clay court’s demands. Yet, the 2023 US Open champion refused to buckle. She roared back, claiming the second set 6-2 and edging a tense third set 7-5, securing a 0-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory after nearly two hours of battle. “I was literally fighting for every point,” Gauff said post-match, her words reflecting the grit that has defined her young career.
As the clock ticked past 11 p.m., Gauff stepped off the court to greet a crowd of loyal fans who had waited nearly two hours outside the Caja Mágica to catch a glimpse of their idol. Among them was a superfan whose dedication left Gauff speechless. During an autograph session, the fan rolled up her sleeve to reveal a tattoo featuring Gauff’s signature and name, a promise fulfilled from their encounter at the 2024 Madrid Open. A year earlier, this same supporter had asked Gauff to sign her arm, vowing to immortalize it in ink. True to her word, she had shared a video from a tattoo parlor, prompting Gauff to post on Instagram, “and she actually got it tatted. MADRID ENERGY IS DIFFERENT! Sob fr omg.” Reuniting in 2025, the fan’s gesture overwhelmed Gauff anew. “I normally don’t record videos like this, but I had the craziest fan, she is the sweetest soul,” Gauff had said in 2024, a sentiment that echoed as she shared this year’s moment on Instagram, captioning a clip of the crowd, “Aww they waited an hour and a half after my match for me to come out… I love Madrid.”
This wasn’t Gauff’s first brush with fan devotion in Madrid. Her connection with the city’s passionate supporters has become a hallmark of her visits, from her 2024 debut where she posted a flawless 6-0, 6-0 win over Arantxa Rus to this year’s emotional triumph. The 2025 season has been a mixed bag for Gauff, with a strong United Cup performance offset by a quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, early losses in the Middle East, and a disappointing Stuttgart quarterfinal defeat to Jasmine Paolini. Yet, Madrid’s clay courts seem to bring out her best. Her comeback against Yastremska marked her second career recovery from a 6-0 set loss, a feat she first accomplished against Elise Mertens in Eastbourne four years ago.
Off the court, Gauff’s star power continues to grow. Her recent New Balance collaboration with Miu Miu, unveiled before the tournament, showcased her as a fashion trailblazer, inspired by icons like Serena Williams. “What can we do in tennis that has either never been done or been done very few times?” Gauff told Vogue, highlighting her vision to push boundaries. On the court, she’s backed by a bolstered coaching team, including Jean-Christophe Faurel, who rejoined her staff after guiding her early career, and Brad Gilbert, whose expertise helped her clinch the 2024 WTA Finals.
As Gauff prepares to face fellow American Ann Li in the third round on April 25, where she holds a 2-0 head-to-head edge, the Madrid crowd’s unwavering support fuels her ambitions. With potential clashes against top seeds like Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka looming, Gauff’s journey is far from easy. But for now, the memory of a fan’s tattooed tribute and the roar of Madrid’s midnight crowd remind her why she fights. “Coco, thanks for being an amazing role model!” a fan’s message read, a sentiment that resonates as Gauff carries their love into her next battle.