Coco Gauff has traded in her racket for a chef’s hat. After a strong run at the Australian Open, Gauff eventually bowed out in the quarterfinals to Spanish player Paula Badosa. Now back in the US, she’s enjoying some downtime between tournaments and has found a new way to unwind – cooking. The American tennis star recently showcased her culinary skills, proving that she’s not just a master of aces but also of the kitchen.

The former US Open champion shared a glimpse of her skills in the kitchen on Instagram. Her story featured a delicious-looking meal of grilled steak, baked potatoes, and green beans. Proud of her creation, she captioned it, “made by moi 👩🏾‍🍳.” But cooking isn’t just a casual hobby for the American tennis player—it’s a new skill she’s learning as part of her journey to independence.

Transitioning from life under her parents’ roof to living on her own has been a big step for Coco. In an interview with The National during her WTA Finals campaign, she opened up about her new lifestyle. Having recently achieved her dream of becoming a homeowner at just 20 years old, Gauff is still based in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida.

“I just felt like this was a time for me to move out. But I’m still in the same city as my parents, and my parents have a court at home, so I practise there still. So it feels somewhat the same,” Gauff said. Adjusting to this new phase of life, she’s not only mastering her backhand but also life skills like cooking.

“Obviously, I’m living alone, so I’m just trying to learn how to cook more, something I never really had to do living with both parents who like to cook. So it’s been something that I’ve been experimenting with, and had some mostly successes, some failures,” she shared.

Returning home after her month-long stint in Melbourne has brought Coco Gauff back to her comfort zone. However, it’s not just her house she missed.

Coco Gauff reveals what she missed the most away from home

Music has always been a significant part of Coco Gauff’s life. Over the years, she has often spoken about her favorite artists, including Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, and Childish Gambino. Her connection to music even caught the attention of rapper Tyler, The Creator, who gave her a shoutout in his 2024 single “Thought I Was Dead” from the album Chromakopia.

On January 24, 2025, Gauff posted another Instagram story, this time showcasing her love for music. She shared a video of her vinyl turntable spinning Ego Death, the critically acclaimed album by the alternative R&B band The Internet.

“Was away from home for a month and I swear this is what I missed the most lol I wish I could travel with it fr,” she wrote in the caption.

From learning to cook to embracing her love for music, Gauff’s life off the court is a reflection of her vibrant personality. With the tennis season in full swing, she’s making the most of her downtime while preparing for what’s ahead.

The American tennis star might be seen next at the next WTA 1000 event which is to be held in Qatar, Doha. Last time she did not fare so well as she suffered a shock defeat in the second round, going down 6-2, 6-4 against Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova.

Will Coco Gauff add another title to her collection soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below.