Coco Gauff: “I’m Just a Regular Person” — 2023 Champion Embraces Life Beyond the Court at Cincinnati Open
Whether she is enjoying her go-to Chick-fil-A order (a #1 with special sauce, large fries, and a large diet lemonade) or catching an anime movie alone in a local theater, Coco Gauff keeps her feet planted firmly on the ground.
Despite being a two-time Grand Slam champion, the highest-paid female athlete in the world, and the biggest star in American tennis, the 22-year-old takes pride in living a surprisingly grounded everyday life.
From walking in the rain to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game during last year’s tournament to watching the 2016 Japanese anime film Your Name by herself this week, Gauff routinely seeks out moments of normal solitude away from the tour bubble.
“I’m just a regular person,” Gauff said at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, where she has advanced to the Round of 16. “Maybe a couple of people might recognize me, but I’m always in different places where I feel pretty safe and nothing’s going to happen. That’s something I enjoy. I’ve always been someone who’s enjoyed alone time.”
“I love my team, but we need space from each other, too. We’re always hanging out, so I enjoy doing those kinds of things. Otherwise, I’m just going to sit in the hotel room.”
A Familiar Comfort in Ohio
For the Delray Beach, Florida resident, Cincinnati holds a special significance. Having attended matches at the tournament as a child, the city provided the springboard for her historic summer run in 2023, where she captured her maiden WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati before securing her first US Open crown in Flushing Meadows.
“It feels familiar. That’s why I like playing here,” Gauff explained. “Cincinnati is a big city, but it still has a hometown kind of feel. It doesn’t necessarily feel like there’s a lot going on, but if you dig a little bit, there actually is.”
Finding Balance on the Road
While many touring professionals rely on room service and hotel solitude between matches, Gauff actively pushes herself to explore host cities to maintain perspective during a demanding season.
“I think a lot of players can get in the habit of Uber Eats or room service every night,” said Gauff, who is seeking her first title of the 2026 season. “It’s nice sometimes, but I don’t think it’s healthy given how much we travel. It’s nice to have a little bit of the outside world. It doesn’t feel like tennis is your whole life when you actually walk outside and realize all the moving parts of the world.”
Her down-to-earth persona has earned her a unique connection with fans. After a young supporter gifted her a Chick-fil-A gift card at last year’s tournament, Gauff confirmed this week that the gift did not go to waste:
“He asked me this year if I used it, and I said I sure did. Me and him have a real understanding.”
