“Add Your Own Twists”: Coco Gauff Divulges How Cooking Has Shaped her Tennis

For years now, some of the biggest names in tennis have dominated the game, both on and off the court. From blazing backhands to sparking a conversation with every move, they have been at the heart of every tennis conversation. However, as a new dawn sets over the horizon, up-and-coming tennis athletes are taking the spotlight and they’re taking it in style. American International, Coco Gauff, is amongst the new generation, setting new standards for the sport, whilst being showered with love from fans.

Cori Coco Gauff burst onto the scene as the youngest WTA player to win a title; at the mere age of 15, she triumphed at the Linz Open 2019. Ever since, she has lived up to all the surrounding hype.

However, even with one too many remarkable performances, luck hasn’t been on her side. Only recently, the American sensation had to pull out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after testing positive a little before the Summer Games.

Regardless, she continues to make headlines, giving anxious fans something to cheer about, making a revelation on her life off-court in yet another fun conversation.

“One mistake can cost you”- Coco Gauff

Like most of her fans, the 17-year-old also picked up a few hobbies, as she spent time in quarantine. Away from the court, she found solace in the kitchen, drawing one too many links to the sport. Notably, she believes while one is art, the other is a craft with not much separating the two.

Correlating the pace of cooking to that of tennis, she said, “In some ways, I think they can be very similar. You need the focus and patience to see through the whole recipe you’re making; one mistake can cost you. If you’re relaxed, you’re able to have more fun with it and have the confidence to add your own twist on dishes.”

Always seeking to learn more, the budding chef reflects the teachings of her hobby. Revealing what cooking has taught her, she said, “Once you’re done, you get to enjoy/eat the thing you created. Cooking has taught me to think creatively and that it’s ok to experiment in the kitchen. I must say, I’m a true beginner in the kitchen, but I’m quite an independent person so it’s nice to know I can prepare a few dishes.” 

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Not quite the season for Coco

Despite the youngster’s exuberance, it hasn’t been the best season for the American sensation. Early exits, surprise defeats, and the unfortunate positive report have lurked over her constantly this season. Her most recent outing at the 2021 Wimbledon Championship was a glimmer of hope amongst unfortunate displays.

Coco was the highlight of the tournament, until the round of 16. Making her way to the top, she beat some of the most experienced WTA athletes, in dominating straight sets. However, she couldn’t keep up her fine form for long and exited the tournament in shocking style herself.

Adding salt to the wound, she also withdrew from the Summer games a little after.

Hence, fans now wait as she prepares for her return at the Western and Southern Open, in Cincinnati. Is a resurrection possible or will it be yet another disappointing outing for the youngster?

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