Coco Gauff’s Empire State of Mind: Tennis, Music and the Energy Behind Her US Open Run — ‘I Just Feel Like a New Person’

Tennis, music and fashion all come together effortlessly, creating a connection that never needed to be forced. Coco Gauff, a rising star in the world of tennis, is one of the most important young athletes of her generation, but there is something more at play in her life. Gauff has become one of the defining figures of her era, with her style, music and presence in the cultural landscape being just as impactful as her performance on the court.

New York City is the perfect backdrop for Gauff's journey. The city's energy, fashion, and music all contribute to the unique atmosphere she experiences while playing in New York. Gauff thrives in this environment, which she says brings out a different energy in her. The crowd's enthusiasm is the main factor that influences her performance, making her feel like a new person. The city's vibrant atmosphere helps her find a renewed sense of self and brings out the best in her game.

Over the past year, Gauff has made significant changes to her team and approach to the game. She has been working with biomechanic coach Gavin MacMillan to address areas of concern in her performance. Recent adjustments, such as improving her serve consistency and coming to the net more often, have been pivotal in her success during her recent US Open run.

Gauff's win over Karolína Muchová in the Cincinnati final demonstrates the effectiveness of her changes, leaving no doubt that these small adjustments can make a significant difference at the highest level of tennis.

Despite the pressure of constantly chasing victories, Gauff remains mindful of the fact that she is still an individual outside of her sport. After her US Open performance last year, she recognized that her life remained unchanged despite the challenges she faced on the court. She found strength in her family and friends, which helped her gain perspective and realize that her personal well-being is just as important as her success in tennis.

This realization has become its own kind of victory and has contributed to Gauff's growth both on and off the court.

Music plays an essential role in Gauff's pre-match routine, serving as a source of confidence, determination and calmness. She carefully selects music based on the type of player she wants to be for each session. When preparing to play in New York, Gauff chooses more calming or chill music, as the city's energy can be overwhelming.

Despite this change in her music selection, she acknowledges that the crowd's enthusiasm remains a significant factor in her performance, transforming the city into a powerful force that motivates her to bring her best on the court.