Coco Gauff’s Dazzling Australian Open Fit Becomes Her Answer to Father’s Unfulfilled Wish

Coco Gauff is heading off into her next round at the Australian Open and winning hearts along the way. The third seed may have come under pressure of facing the former 2020 Australian Open champion, Sofia Kenin, but she certainly didn’t let it show. The World No. 2 displayed her incredible skills, hitting 28 winners to her opponent’s 14 and 12 aces to three, sealing a 6-3 6-3 win in 81 minutes. All while showing off her new tennis kit that she helped design.

While taking down Kenin, Gauff flaunted her New Balance custom kit. The 20-year-old showed up to the Rod Laver Arena in a backless white bodysuit with cutouts and a green camo asymmetrical skirt, which was inspired by her classic cargo pants look, alongside her New Balance sneakers to complete the look. Sounds nearly perfect to beat the heat while being comfortable right? Well, according to Coco there’s more to the story.

Gauff has been at the forefront of serving unique silhouettes since signing with New Balance as a teenager in 2018. During the post-match interview, she revealed the details of her outfit and what pushed her to pick these sneakers that serve as a tribute to her father Corey. She said, “My shoes are inspired by basketball shoes because that’s the sport my dad wanted me to play, but I’m glad I chose tennis.”

Additionally, she let her Marvel fangirl sideshow, noting that the unique bodysuit was inspired by “female superheroes.” Coco collaborated with her design team to create a standout outfit featuring superhero-style cutouts, reflecting her playful yet fierce personality. Despite the challenges of donning a bodysuit—jokingly noting the struggle of getting in and out of it for bathroom breaks— Gauff’s ensemble symbolizes her bold approach both on and off the court, channeling her love for superheroes into her game as she aims for another Grand Slam title.

Will Coco Gauff channel her superhero energy during the Australian Open?

Coco Gauff kicked off 2025 with an electrifying performance at the United Cup, leading Team USA to victory in the final by defeating Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-4. Gauff’s impressive run included straight-set wins against top players like Leylah Fernandez and Donna Vekic as well, showcasing her dominance throughout the tournament. This triumph marked the second title for the US in three years, with Gauff playing a pivotal role in securing the win against Poland on January 5, 2025.

As she set her sights on the Australian Open thereafter, Gauff shared a fun glimpse into her training routine in a TikTok video posted on January 9. In the clip, she could be seen in the gym, blending her workout with her love for Spider-Man, playfully mimicking the superhero’s moves. Her trainer couldn’t help but laugh at her antics, highlighting Gauff’s vibrant personality. The caption read, “This universe’s Spider-Man,” perfectly encapsulating her joyful spirit as she balanced hard work with her fandom.

Previously in an Instagram story in October 2023, Gauff playfully showcased her extensive collection of Spider-Man merchandise, teasing her followers with the caption, “I bet you can’t guess who my favorite hero is.” Not only that, but her admiration for Spider-Man goes beyond mere fandom. As a teenager, she related to Spiderman’s journey doing extraordinary things. She once remarked, “I guess in a very figurative way, Spider-Man himself is a teenager doing big things. And I’m a teenager who’s trying to do big things, and I just feel I can relate to him a lot.” This perspective perhaps mirrored her own path in the competitive world of tennis.

Coco Gauff now heads into the second round of the Australian Open to face Jodie Anna Burrage. Will she win her second Grand Slam title in Melbourne? Only time will tell!