Coco Gauff — tennis powerhouse, fashion ambassador and one of the most influential voices in modern sport — just dropped a message that’s resonating far beyond the baseline. In a recent interview tied to her new role with a major beauty brand, the 21-year-old superstar made it clear: female athletes don’t have to choose between being strong and being feminine. Hypebae+1
This statement may sound simple, but in a world where women in sports are still boxed into stereotypes — strong or feminine — Gauff’s words are downright revolutionary. She’s challenging a narrative that for too long has forced women athletes into false dichotomies: buttoned-up bruiser vs. glamorized “girl-next-door.” Instead, she’s saying you can be both. And it’s exactly the kind of message a new generation has been waiting to hear.
Speaking about her collaboration with Miu Miu Beauty for their new “Miutine” perfume, Gauff explained that the brand’s ethos — rooted in individuality and confidence — aligns with what she believes a modern athlete can embody. She loves that her sport gives her “the freedom to wear what she likes” and expresses herself on and off court. Tennis World USA
That’s powerful. It’s not just about a fragrance campaign. It’s about redefining what it looks like to be a woman in elite sports — someone who can hit world-class serves, train like an elite athlete, and embrace a sense of beauty and style without judgment. And given Gauff’s meteoric rise — from a teen prodigy to a multiple Grand Slam champion and one of the highest-earning players in tennis — her voice carries serious weight. Tennis.com
What makes her message so compelling is that she doesn’t preach it as a contradiction — she lives it. On one hand, Gauff has broken records and dominated rival after rival on the biggest stages. On the other, she’s appeared on major magazine covers and high-fashion campaigns, blending grit with grace. She’s proof that strength and femininity don’t cancel each other out — they enhance one another. Sky Sports
Her stance also comes at a time when conversations about equality, representation, and identity in sports are louder than ever. From debates about pay equity to discussions around media portrayal, women athletes are constantly navigating expectations from every angle. Gauff’s mantra — that you don’t have to fit someone else’s mold to succeed — hits at the heart of that struggle. Tennisuptodate.com
Fans have already reacted with admiration online, saying her words “feel like a new era” and “speak to every girl who’s ever been told she had to choose.” And it’s not surprising: when someone living at the pinnacle of her sport says it’s okay to embrace both power and femininity, it gives permission — and inspiration — to countless others.
Coco Gauff isn’t just smashing serves and winning titles. She’s smashing stereotypes too — setting a new standard for what it means to be a modern female athlete. And honestly? The world is listening.
