Despite a demanding schedule typical of a professional athlete, 21-year-old tennis sensation Coco Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam winner and world No. 3, cherishes her limited downtime by connecting with loved ones, enjoying movies, and engaging in her budding culinary skills. Since establishing her own residence last year, Gauff has candidly chronicled her kitchen endeavors on social media, embracing both her triumphs and challenges. She humorously admits to alternating between relying on food delivery services and actively preparing meals, emphasizing her reliance on precise recipes rather than intuitive cooking. Her culinary repertoire includes a creamy Turkish pasta, homemade chicken tenders, and sweet potato pie, showcasing a diverse range of dishes.
In a recent conversation ahead of the US Open, Gauff provided a glimpse into her developing passion for cooking. She highlighted key items in her kitchen, shared details about the Southern-inspired meals that were a staple in her childhood home, and explained how she ensures adequate nutrition to fuel her rigorous training and competition schedule. This includes her appreciation for Louisiana hot sauce, a reliable pasta selection, and her newly developed protein smoothie in collaboration with Naked Smoothies, formulated to meet her athletic demands. Her kitchen also features modern conveniences like an air fryer for quick and easy meals, and a slow cooker, inherited from her father's cooking habits, ideal for preparing comforting, low-maintenance dishes like oxtail and other slow-cooked meats and potatoes.
Gauff's journey into the culinary world demonstrates how individuals, even those with exceptionally busy lives, can find joy and connection through food. Her dedication to cooking, whether experimenting with new dishes or relying on time-saving appliances, reflects a grounded approach to life outside the intensely competitive world of professional tennis. It underscores the importance of nourishing oneself, both physically and emotionally, and finding creative outlets that bring personal satisfaction. Her story encourages everyone to embrace new challenges, even in seemingly simple areas like cooking, and to find balance between professional pursuits and personal well-being.