Coco Gauff, the rising star of American tennis, recently made headlines not just for her impressive performance on the court, but for her comments on American sprinter Gabby Thomas’ perspective on the eating habits of athletes. This intersection of elite sports and lifestyle insights sparked significant interest online, as both Gauff and Thomas offered a glimpse into their routines and the myths surrounding how professional athletes eat.
At 20 years old, Gauff has already etched her name into the tennis world with a significant win in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking her first WTA title of the 2024 season. However, her season finale was even more extraordinary. She dominated at the prestigious WTA Finals, defeating some of the sport’s top names, including Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, Barbora Krejčíková, Aryna Sabalenka, and Qinwen Zheng. In her semifinal clash, Gauff emerged victorious over Sabalenka, showcasing her relentless skill with a scoreline of 7-6(4), 6-3. She then faced Zheng in the finals on November 9, in a gripping three-set battle. Despite losing the first set 3-6, Gauff demonstrated resilience and clinched the next two sets 6-4, 7-6(2) to lift the trophy.
In the wake of this impressive victory, Gauff joined the ongoing conversation about athletes’ diets sparked by Thomas. Gabby Thomas, an accomplished sprinter, shared a candid video on TikTok discussing misconceptions surrounding athletes’ eating habits. In the video, Thomas humorously addressed the unrealistic expectations often placed on athletes, particularly regarding strict diets and “clean eating.”
“If I post a picture of me with an ice cream cone or something, all the comments are like, ‘Gabby, you have to run, put that down,’” Thomas shared, with a hint of exasperation. “And I’m like, I mean, I can eat it, but I’m still okay.” Thomas expanded on her philosophy, emphasizing that athletes, while committed to their nutrition, also enjoy treats. “Like, yes, I get it. Athletes have to eat clean, and I do eat clean, and I do get my nutrients, and I take a multivitamin and all the things. But your favorite runner loves a sweet treat. I don’t know any athlete who doesn’t love a sweet treat. I don’t know any athlete who doesn’t have a cheat meal. And for me, like, my cheat meals are multiple times a week.”
Gauff, like many others, resonated with Thomas’ sentiments and didn’t hesitate to share her own experiences. In the comment section of Thomas’ TikTok, Gauff admitted her love for sweets, even during tournaments. “Me eating a few bites of dessert every day during tournaments. Gotta have my sweet treat,” Gauff revealed, earning widespread support from fans who appreciated her authenticity.
The camaraderie between Thomas and Gauff wasn’t limited to social media banter about desserts. Following Gauff’s WTA Finals victory, she expressed her gratitude and pride in a heartfelt message on X (formerly known as Twitter). Gauff reflected on her journey, acknowledging the support and love she received throughout the season. “I know I tend to focus on ‘doubters/haters,’ but this one is really for all of my supporters,” Gauff wrote. “Ya’ll held it down for me win or lose! I thank you for that. I see you and I appreciate you. And I know some of you are a little bit petty like me, so it does feel nice to silence them for a bit.”
Among the many congratulatory messages that poured in, Gabby Thomas’ stood out with her simple but powerful tribute: “Queen.” It was a moment that underscored the mutual respect and admiration shared by athletes across different sports.
Gauff’s journey in 2024 has been marked by resilience, talent, and a refreshing authenticity that makes her relatable to fans worldwide. While her victories on the court continue to add to her growing list of achievements, it is her openness off the court that endears her to the public. By addressing misconceptions about athletes’ dietary practices and connecting with others who share her experiences, Gauff has proven herself to be more than just a champion—she is a role model who embraces life with balance.
Currently ranked No. 3 in the world, Coco Gauff’s trajectory continues to inspire. Her recent triumphs at the WTA Finals not only solidified her place among tennis elites but also showcased her as a fierce competitor with a genuine spirit. As she looks ahead to the next season, Gauff carries with her the lessons, victories, and moments of joy that have defined her career thus far. And, as her comments on dessert have shown, even champions find sweetness in small pleasures, reminding us all that balance and joy are part of the journey to greatness.