Coco Gauff has recently made headlines not just for her tennis achievements but for her bold statement at the launch of her American Eagle collection—a denim jacket boldly inscribed with the words, *“Thank you to the people who did not believe in me.”* This line epitomizes Gauff’s journey and resonates with fans who have followed her growth as an athlete. Her collection, which includes edgy pieces like denim cargo miniskirts and V-neck sweater tank tops, aligns well with her distinct style, earning attention from both fashion enthusiasts and her sports followers. However, in a surprising turn, her latest outfit choices at the US Open have sparked a wave of mixed reactions, bringing her fashion choices under scrutiny in a way that few anticipated.
At just 20 years old, Gauff has already developed a reputation not only for her skill on the court but also for her style and the thought she puts into her attire. In an interview earlier this year, she revealed that her outfits for Grand Slam tournaments are planned one to two years in advance, underscoring the level of detail she invests in her on-court presentation. Her 2023 US Open outfit—a memorable pink and brown two-piece outfit that became iconic after she won her first Grand Slam title—was proof of this meticulous planning. That ensemble, along with her shoes from the New Balance CG1 collection, was subsequently displayed at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), further cementing her mark in tennis history.
Reflecting on this honor, Gauff shared, *“I’m incredibly honored and excited for my kit to be displayed at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. These pieces are meaningful to me, and when creating them, I fully hoped they would serve to inspire future generations. The ITHF is the perfect place for that inspiration to begin.”* Her words capture how much her fashion choices mean to her beyond mere aesthetics; they are a part of her legacy, designed to inspire young athletes who look up to her.
Yet, this year’s US Open has presented a different story. Gauff’s outfit—a light blue set from New Balance—did not evoke the same enthusiasm from fans as her previous ensembles. The outfit was first showcased by X user *Christian’s Court,* whose post generated a flurry of responses. One question that quickly emerged: did this outfit truly seem like a product of the two-year planning process Gauff described? While some defended her choice as understated and functional, others expressed disappointment, describing the look as “a little boring.” The outfit seemed to lack the flair fans have come to expect from the rising star, leading to discussions about whether this understated look might reflect her recent challenges on the court.
For many fans, Gauff’s outfit choice at the 2024 US Open became a metaphor for her recent struggles. Since her semifinal exit in Berlin, Gauff has not advanced past the third round in any major tournament, raising concerns about her form. Her performance in several tournaments leading up to the US Open was disappointing, with a third-round exit at the Olympics, a round-of-16 loss in Canada, and a surprising round-of-32 exit in Cincinnati. Some fans, perhaps drawing parallels between her subdued attire and recent performances, remarked that the outfit “has 3rd round loss written on it,” hinting at a broader unease about her current game.
Another fan commented on the outfit’s color scheme, suggesting it resembled the colors worn by Australian athletes, typically green and blue with hints of gold. *“Is she representing Australia?”* they asked, noting the similarity. The Australian flag, which has a blue background, might not perfectly match Gauff’s choice, but the comparison added fuel to the debate over whether her outfit felt distinctive enough for such a high-stakes tournament.
While opinions were divided, one fan took a more diplomatic approach, noting that the outfit was *“okay”* but *“a little boring.”* This neutral stance contrasts sharply with the enthusiastic response she received for her attire at the French Open earlier in the year. For that tournament, Gauff sported a gray sleeveless top paired with a pleated skirt, also from New Balance, which received much praise. The choice was praised as stylish yet sophisticated, aligning with her youthful yet professional image. Gauff even humorously acknowledged the design’s understated appeal, saying, *“They showed me a lot of sketches… I forgot which one is actually for this year, but I’m pretty sure it’s gray.”*
The contrasting reactions to her US Open outfit have sparked wider discussions about the pressures young athletes face in balancing sport and brand image. Fashion has become an integral part of the tennis world, with players like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka redefining what it means to have a court style. With Gauff’s expanding influence and collaborations with brands like New Balance and American Eagle, she faces the unique challenge of meeting both performance and style expectations—a dual role that adds a layer of complexity to her career.
This year’s response may prompt Gauff and her team to rethink how they approach her future looks, potentially leading to a more strategic and impactful choice of outfits that match her dynamic personality and the high stakes of major tournaments. After all, Gauff has often said that her fashion choices are a form of self-expression, allowing her to connect with fans on a different level and showcase her individuality. Her previous outfits, including the Hall of Fame-inducted pink and brown set, reflected her vibrancy, confidence, and boldness—qualities that fans have come to admire both in her play and her style.
Despite the mixed reactions to her current US Open outfit, Coco Gauff remains one of the most promising young talents in tennis. Her willingness to push boundaries, whether in fashion or on the court, is likely to continue to inspire fans. For now, this US Open outfit may serve as a reminder that even icons in the making face challenges and learning experiences as they evolve. Gauff’s journey—both as a tennis player and as a public figure—is far from over, and as she continues to shape her legacy, her fashion choices will undoubtedly remain part of the narrative. The outcome of her US Open journey may yet bring her back into alignment with the confident, bold image fans have come to expect.