As Coco Gauff continues to dominate the tennis world, her meteoric rise has brought not only titles but also a level of fame that catches her off guard. At just 21, the world No. 2 and recent French Open champion shared a candid reflection on her interactions with fans during an interview at the 2025 Stuttgart Open, revealing the surreal and sometimes awkward moments that come with being a global superstar. “I mean, it’s cool to connect with different people and it’s always crazy for me. I get recognized and especially in places not in the US I don’t know…in the US I expect it but I went to the mall today and I got recognized so I wasn’t expecting that,” Gauff told Tennis Channel, her words capturing the whirlwind of her growing celebrity. This honest admission, paired with heartwarming fan encounters, paints a picture of a champion who remains grounded despite her soaring success.
Gauff’s journey from a teenage prodigy to a two-time Grand Slam winner has made her a household name, yet she still marvels at the attention she receives off the court. Her breakout moment came at 15, when she stunned Venus Williams at Wimbledon 2019, a match where she expressed gratitude at the net: “I was just telling her thank you for everything she’s done for the sport.” Since then, her fanbase has exploded, drawn to her electrifying play and genuine warmth. At the 2024 French Open, she recalled a group of young boys cheering loudly on Court Suzanne Lenglen, noting, “There was a group of boys, all under the age of 12, and they were just cheering super loudly. I actually enjoyed that.” Their respectful enthusiasm toward her opponent left a lasting impression, highlighting the kind of fan support she cherishes.
In Beijing, Gauff was touched by fans who brought thoughtful gifts, saying, “You can really feel the effort they put into their gifts, it’s like they know me personally!” These moments, from signing sneakers at the WTA Finals to posing for selfies at the US Open, showcase her commitment to giving back to her supporters. At the 2023 US Open, where she clinched her first major, fans lined up for autographs, with one older gentleman even requesting she sign his arm “for my wife!” Gauff’s playful interactions, like mimicking anime character Tanjiro Kamado’s breathing techniques from *Demon Slayer*, endear her to younger fans, reflecting her youthful spirit. “I still feel very youthful,” she said, admitting to watching *SpongeBob SquarePants* and dressing as a *Winx Club* character for Halloween.
Yet, fame can be “kind of awkward,” as Gauff described. At Indian Wells in 2024, after a tough loss to Maria Sakkari ended her 20-match U.S. winning streak, she visited In-N-Out and met the Rowley family, who paid for her meal and left a heartfelt note. “Solid 8/10 burger was good!” she said, but the real highlight was the connection with fans who turned a disappointing day into a memorable one. Similarly, at a Tyler, The Creator concert in 2024, Gauff went incognito, only to be recognized, proving that her star power transcends the court. Her poised response to such encounters, like staying calm during an alligator sighting while swimming in Florida, mirrors the composure she brings to high-pressure matches.
Gauff’s ability to handle fame with grace stems from her upbringing. Raised by parents who sacrificed their careers to support her, she trained at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy at 10, where he noted, “She impressed me with her determination, athleticism and fighting spirit.” Her maturity shone in Berlin 2024, when a young fan nervously asked if she was “Coco Gauff fans,” prompting her to chuckle and offer a follow on social media, leaving the boy overwhelmed with joy. Fans praised her kindness, with one commenting, “Coco’s parents did a wonderful job raising one of the kindest and most genuine players in sports.”
As Gauff prepares for the National Bank Open in Montreal, where she’s the top seed, her focus remains on inspiring others, much like her idol Serena Williams. “My biggest goal would be to have someone start to play professional tennis because of me,” she said. Despite occasional missteps, like fans singing O.T. Genasis’ “CoCo” at the 2023 US Open—a song she gently asked them to avoid due to its drug-related lyrics—Gauff’s connection with her supporters is unbreakable. Her honest admission about the “crazy” reality of fame underscores a star who embraces her role as both a champion and a relatable figure, ready to face the world’s expectations with the same fight that’s carried her to the top.
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