Coco Gauff's Makeup-Free Philosophy on the Tennis Court
Coco Gauff, the rising star of tennis, embraces a natural look when she steps onto the court, prioritizing performance over glam. “In tennis, if you wanna wear makeup, you can wear makeup,” she stated in a recent interview with Vogue. The 21-year-old acknowledged that some players, like Serena and Venus Williams, have sported makeup during matches, but Gauff has her own reasons for keeping it simple.
“I just sweat too much and, like, makeup would be all over,” Gauff explained candidly. Her practical approach to cosmetics reflects a focus on the game rather than aesthetics. While she admires the WNBA players who confidently flaunt their makeup looks, Gauff remains committed to her no-makeup routine during competitions.
On match days, Gauff opts for sunscreen as her sole beauty product, channeling her energy into her outfits instead. “I do have a cute outfit to take away the attention from my face,” she quipped, revealing her strategy to divert focus. Planning her tournament attire well in advance is part of her routine; she enjoys coordinating her outfits and ensuring her nails are done to complement her look.
Currently competing at the US Open in New York City, Gauff shared her excitement about matching her nails to her outfits. “Then, also my hair. I just got my hair done, and I know when all three things are done, which is very rare,” she noted. For Gauff, achieving this trifecta boosts her confidence on the court.
During her match against Donna Vekic on August 28, Gauff sported a cropped red New Balance T-shirt paired with a white tennis skirt. Her nails featured burgundy polish adorned with green tennis-themed accents. Gauff's performance was as striking as her style; she won decisively, eliminating Vekic from the tournament with a score of 7-6, 6-2.
Off the court, Gauff enjoys experimenting with makeup and credits influencers like Jackie Aina and Alissa Ashley for teaching her the ropes. “Especially being a young Black girl,” she remarked, reflecting on her journey to mastering makeup techniques. “A long time ago, I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to color-match my skin [and] that we had to do things a little bit differently.” Their guidance has been invaluable in helping her navigate the world of beauty.
As Gauff continues to shine in the tennis world, her commitment to authenticity—both in her game and personal style—remains evident. Whether she’s dominating on the court or preparing for a night out, Gauff balances her athletic prowess with a keen sense of fashion and self-expression.
