The tennis world is buzzing as the countdown to the Australian Open begins! Players are lacing up their sneakers, fans are setting their alarms for Melbourne time, and the first Grand Slam of the year is promising all the drama, skill, and excitement we’ve come to expect. But while everyone’s looking ahead to the action-packed tournament, it’s the throwback moments from Australian Open history that are sparking conversations—and the latest star at the center of the nostalgia is none other than the sensational Coco Gauff. Yes, we all know Coco’s an unstoppable force on the court, but this time, the spotlight is shifting to something different.

The American tennis sensation has proved her mettle on the tennis courts over the years. But besides her relentless grit and determination for the sport, she is also known for her cheeky and humorous side, and that is exactly what the Australian Open is focusing on for now. Taking to its official Instagram handle, the Australian Open shared an amalgamation of visuals where Gauff left her fans in splits and demonstrated her ability to remain cheeky even in the heat of a Grand Slam. 

One such moment came in 2023 when Gauff defeated Emma Raducanu in the second round 6-3 7-6 (7-4). During the post-match interview, Gauff joked about a video that she posted showcasing herself and her parents dancing together. When quizzed about who was the better dancer, among the three, Gauff could not hold herself from making a humorous remark. “Probably my mom, at least that’s what the comments said.” Continuing further, she revealed a special wish that she received from fans. 

“They said my mom ate both of us up… a lot of people asked for a solo video just of her and I was like: ‘No, I’m the star, how do I get outshined on my own TikTok?” the star player added. This left many including her parents laughing their hearts out. This was not the only humorous moment that unfolded at the venue. During yet another clash, Gauff was asked if she is someone who likes to know who she is playing next round or not. Responding to this, the star player said, “I mean, sure why not. I mean, I don’t really care at this point.” Yet another funny moment came in this year itself when Gauff’s method of calming herself down drew a hilarious reaction from fans. 

During her opening round match, Coco Gauff registered an emphatic win over Anna Karolína Schmiedlová 6-3, 6-0. However, she admitted being nervous in the first set when the match was tied. “Honestly, when I was nervous at 3-3, I just told myself, I literally said, ‘I feel good, I look good. So just have fun.” Her “Feel Good, Look Good,” remark, which she also reiterated in her next match was not just loved by her fans, but by her sponsor New Balance as well. The brand etched these words on the facade of its outlet in Melbourne Park, mesmerizing her fans. But Gauff’s love for humor is not new. 

In 2020, when the star player was just 15 years old, she ousted Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-4, making a strong statement. She expressed her joy after the match and highlighted how special it was for her to play at the Rod Laver Arena. But when quizzed if she had ever met Laver, Gauff knew how to respond hilariously. “No. I’ve walked past Rod Laver a couple of times in the hallway but I’ve never met him – if he sees this, tell him we can set up a meeting sometime. I need a selfie for Instagram!” she said. 

Now, Coco Gauff is gearing up for yet another thrilling campaign at the Australian Open. While only time will tell if she resorts to her cheeky side this year too, it is her skills that are garnering equal attention with experts expecting great results from her. 

When former German player exuded confidence in Coco Gauff’s skills for the Australian Open

Coco Gauff has demonstrated some impeccable talent over the years becoming a formidable face on the tennis circuits. And now, as she prepares for the first Grand Slam of 2025, experts believe that her remarkable form and skills can help her achieve big. One such prediction is coming from none other than the former German player Andrea Petkovic.

Speaking on the December 16th episode of The Rennae Stubbs Podcast, Petkovic lauded Gauff’s improvements and termed her as one of the favorites in Melbourne. “I think that Coco Gough will be one of the favorites,” she said. Continuing further, she added, “I think the way she played the rest of the season after the US Open was so impressive, changing the grip on the serve. She needed to do, but in the middle of the season, so much respect for that. And I think she will be one of the favorites.”

While it will only be a matter of time to see how the tournament and the season unfold for Coco Gauff in general, one thing is clear: fans and experts are anticipating a dominant showdown from the star player.