As the lush green courts of Wimbledon prepare to host the world’s top tennis talent, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American phenom and world No. 2, has already set social media ablaze with a lighthearted moment from her practice sessions. The two-time Grand Slam champion, fresh off her triumphant 2025 French Open victory, was caught on camera executing a dazzling jumping tweener during a practice session at the All England Club on June 23, 2025. However, in a hilarious twist, Gauff took to Instagram to reveal that her flashy shot wasn’t as impressive as it seemed, urging fans not to be “fooled” by the slick highlight. This candid confession, paired with her infectious humor, has only heightened anticipation for her Wimbledon campaign, which begins June 30.
The moment came to light when the official Wimbledon Instagram account shared a series of photos from the practice courts, two of which showcased Gauff in action. One image captured her mid-air, racquet poised to strike the ball in a tweener—a daring between-the-legs shot that thrilled onlookers. Fans were quick to marvel at the athleticism of the 2023 US Open champion, but Gauff, ever the grounded star, reposted the image on her Instagram Story with a playful caption: “Don’t be fooled, it didn’t go over the net 😂.” Her self-deprecating humor underscored the reality of practice sessions, where even the world’s best players don’t always land their shots perfectly. “I love how real she is,” one fan commented online, reflecting the sentiment of many who appreciate Gauff’s relatable charm.
This amusing revelation comes at a time when Gauff is under scrutiny to translate her clay-court dominance to grass. After a stellar European swing, where she reached the finals of back-to-back WTA 1000 events in Madrid and Rome before clinching the French Open title against Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff faced a setback in her grass-court opener. At the Berlin Tennis Open, she suffered a surprising 6-3, 6-3 defeat to Xinyu Wang in the second round, marred by 25 unforced errors and seven double faults. “It was a tough one today, but I’m happy to be back on court,” Gauff shared on social media post-match. “I tried my best to adjust with the quick turnaround, but it wasn’t enough. As always, I’m learning as I go, so I hope to do better next time.” Her resilience and optimism shone through, even in defeat, as she vowed to return stronger.
Gauff’s grass-court journey has been a mixed bag. Since bursting onto the scene at 15 with a stunning 2019 Wimbledon win over Venus Williams, she has reached the fourth round three times but never advanced further. Last year’s first-round exit to Sofia Kenin was a low point, leaving her “in a dark place,” as she described it. Yet, her 2024 campaign showed promise, with a third-round win over Anca Todoni before a straight-sets loss to Emma Navarro. “Overall, I just learned about life a lot,” Gauff reflected on her 2023 struggles. “I just realized that, yes, what I do I’m very passionate about, but it’s not ever that serious and sometimes the world can make you feel like there’s so much pressure.” This perspective, coupled with her recent French Open triumph, positions her as a formidable contender at Wimbledon, despite the challenges of the slick surface.
As Gauff prepares for the Championships, her playful approach to training has also captured attention. In Berlin, she engaged her team, including coaches Brad Gilbert and Richard Woodroof, in quirky contests like rolling a ball and a “duck walk” challenge, boosting morale after her loss. Former WTA player CoCo Vandeweghe suggested this setback could be a “blessing in disguise,” fueling Gauff’s competitive fire. With her signature speed, powerful backhand, and tactical creativity, Gauff is adapting her game for grass, focusing on bigger serves and aggressive play. “I’m going to approach it a lot more freer,” she said of Wimbledon, emphasizing a pressure-free mindset post-Paris.
The tennis world is abuzz with expectations for Gauff, who joins top seeds like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina in a stacked women’s draw. Her ability to connect with fans, whether through candid social media posts or her on-court tenacity, makes her a standout. As she fine-tunes her game on Wimbledon’s practice courts, Gauff’s tweener mishap serves as a reminder of her humanity and humor—qualities that endear her to millions. Will this be the year she conquers Wimbledon’s grass? With her talent, determination, and a knack for keeping things light, Gauff is ready to make her mark.
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