In the vibrant atmosphere of the 2025 Madrid Open, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, has been captivating fans with both her on-court prowess and her off-court charisma. Fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over compatriot Ann Li, Gauff has advanced to the Round of 16, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash with Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic. Amid her impressive run on the clay courts of the Caja Mágica, Gauff took a moment to share a lighthearted yet firm stance on a personal choice that sets her apart from fellow tennis star Carlos Alcaraz: she has no intention of commemorating her victories with tattoos.
During a lively interview with Tennis Channel on April 26, Gauff addressed the topic with her signature blend of humor and conviction. Alcaraz, the Spanish phenom with four Grand Slam titles, has made headlines not only for his electrifying play but also for his growing collection of tattoos, each marking a significant career milestone. His ink includes the date of his 2022 US Open triumph, his grandfather’s motto, a strawberry for his 2023 Wimbledon victory, and an Eiffel Tower for his 2024 French Open win. When asked if she would consider a similar tribute to her 2023 US Open championship, Gauff was unequivocal. “People ask if I’d get the US Open tattooed on me because [Carlos Alcaraz] did. I was like, no, I’m never doing that,” she said, her tone playful but resolute. She jokingly added that she isn’t “that fond of winning” to go to such lengths, though her competitive spirit on the court tells a different story.
Gauff’s comments highlight a contrast in how these two young stars, both among the brightest talents in tennis, choose to express their achievements. While Alcaraz’s tattoos have become a personal canvas of his journey, Gauff prefers to let her game do the talking. Her fans, however, have taken their devotion to another level. During the same interview, Gauff recounted a “crazy” yet heartwarming encounter with a dedicated supporter at the Madrid Open. “It’s crazy and she comes to all my matches here in Madrid, so, yeah, I love the support,” she shared, noting that this fan, whom she first met in 2024, had expressed plans to get a tattoo of Gauff’s name. Reflecting on the fervor of her supporters, Gauff remarked that they are “better than me” for their willingness to ink her name permanently.
As Gauff navigates the Madrid Open, her focus remains on her performance, particularly on the challenging clay surface. Her recent victories over Dayana Yastremska and Ann Li demonstrate her determination to excel in the clay swing, a critical phase of the season leading up to the French Open. Her upcoming match against Bencic, whom she has faced twice before in 2025, promises to be a test of her resilience. Gauff holds a 2-1 edge in their head-to-head, including a comeback win at the Australian Open earlier this year, but Bencic’s recent form suggests a fierce battle ahead.
Off the court, Gauff’s star power continues to grow. Her decision to launch Coco Gauff Enterprises, parting ways with Roger Federer’s Team8 management company, underscores her ambition to shape her career and impact beyond tennis. As she balances her entrepreneurial ventures with her athletic pursuits, Gauff remains grounded, drawing strength from her South Florida roots and the support communities that have supported her since her childhood.
Gauff’s journey at the Madrid Open is more than just a quest for a title; it’s a testament to her growth as a player and a person. Whether she’s rallying past opponents or charming the press with her wit, one thing is clear: Coco Gauff is carving her own path, tattoo-free and full of promise.