Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis sensation, has been making significant strides both on and off the court. After moving out of her parents’ home in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff has embraced the challenges and responsibilities of independent living, with a particular focus on honing her culinary skills.
In a candid interview with The National in November 2024, Gauff discussed her transition to living alone. She emphasized that, despite moving out, she remains closely connected to her family, often returning to her parents’ house to practice on their tennis court. “I just felt like this was a time for me to move out. But I’m still in the same city as my parents, and my parents have a court at home, so I practice there still. So it feels somewhat the same,” Gauff remarked.
One of the most significant adjustments for Gauff has been learning to cook for herself. Growing up, she benefited from the culinary talents of her parents, Candi and Corey, and rarely needed to prepare meals on her own. Now, living independently, she has taken on the challenge of cooking, experimenting with various recipes and techniques. “Obviously, I’m living alone, so I’m just trying to learn how to cook more, something I never really had to do living with both parents who like to cook. So it’s been something that I’ve been experimenting with, and had some mostly successes, some failures,” she shared.
Gauff’s culinary journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. In one instance, she attempted to bake banana bread for her fitness coach’s birthday. However, the endeavor didn’t go as planned. She recounted, “The bananas were like, too ripe, because you’re supposed to wait. I think I waited too long, so I threw them away. I tried to, like, freestyle it, without it. And that came out awful.” Recognizing the subpar outcome, she decided against gifting the bread. “I was really disappointed in that, because banana bread is what I’m good at. I just thought that I would be good enough to maybe, you know, skip a couple ingredients,” Gauff added.
Despite such challenges, Gauff has also enjoyed culinary successes. In January 2025, following her participation in the Australian Open, she treated herself to a homemade steak dinner, complete with a baked potato and beans on the side. Proud of her accomplishment, she shared a photo of the meal on Instagram with the caption, “Made by moi.”
Her culinary pursuits have also become a way to connect with friends and family. In November 2024, Gauff hosted a “Friendsgiving” at her new home. The event featured a potluck-style meal, with Gauff contributing homemade sweet potato pie and banana bread. She shared a video of the gathering on Instagram, showcasing the array of dishes prepared by her and her guests.
However, her foray into cooking hasn’t been without its critics. After posting about her contributions to the Friendsgiving meal, a commenter suggested that she had assistance in preparing the dishes, stating, “Coco. You know you can’t cook. Your staff made that for you……” Gauff was quick to refute the claim, responding, “you don’t even know me. lol and what staff? all I made was pie and banana bread it’s really not that hard.”
Gauff’s interest in food isn’t limited to her own kitchen. During the 2024 China Open in Beijing, she developed a fondness for the local cuisine. She revealed that her daily breakfast consisted of fried noodles, dumplings, fruit, and a treat with Nutella. “In the morning, I eat fried noodles every day. That’s what I have for breakfast, fried noodles, dumplings and some fruit, and usually a treat with Nutella. I don’t know if it’s the healthiest breakfast. It’s what we’re doing this week and it’s working,” she said. For her post-match meals, she favored soup noodles, adding sesame oil, chili oil, vinegar, and onions to enhance the flavor. “I always get the soup noodles. I like to put sesame oil, chili oil, a little bit of vinegar and some onions and stuff. It feels like a warm hug,” Gauff described.
Balancing a demanding tennis career with the responsibilities of independent living is no small feat. Gauff’s efforts to develop her cooking skills reflect her broader commitment to personal growth and self-sufficiency. As she continues to navigate the professional tennis circuit, her experiences off the court, including her culinary adventures, contribute to her development as a well-rounded individual.
In the competitive realm of professional tennis, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for optimal performance. By taking charge of her own meals, Gauff gains greater control over her nutrition, allowing her to tailor her diet to meet the specific demands of her training and match schedules. This autonomy not only supports her physical health but also empowers her to make informed decisions about her well-being.
Moreover, cooking can serve as a therapeutic activity, offering a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment. For Gauff, experimenting in the kitchen provides a welcome respite from the pressures of professional sports, allowing her to unwind and express herself in a different medium.
As Gauff continues to evolve both as an athlete and an individual, her willingness to embrace new challenges, such as learning to cook, exemplifies her resilience and adaptability. These qualities not only enhance her life off the court but also contribute to her mental fortitude and discipline on the court.
In conclusion, Coco Gauff’s journey into independent living and her dedication to developing her culinary skills highlight her commitment to personal growth. By embracing the challenges of cooking and self-sufficiency, she is cultivating valuable life skills that will serve her well both in her tennis career and beyond. Her experiences underscore the importance of balance, adaptability, and continuous learning in achieving success and fulfillment.
Leave a Reply