Presented by
Coco Gauff
kitchen
TO THE
court
Pressure is nothing new to Cori “Coco” Gauff — having been pitted against some of the greats, she rose to prominence after beating one of her idols, Venus Williams at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player to win a WTA title since 2004. HYPEBEAST caught up with tennis’ rising star to discuss her love for pasta, her active partnership as Barilla’s brand ambassador and how her patience and determination translates effortlessly into the kitchen.
Tennis means hard work, determination, and sacrifice. It has given me so much; I get to travel around the world and experience things that many people my age don’t get to. I’m also grateful that I get to have my family with me on this journey.
Coco Gauff:
WHAT DOES MEAN TO YOU?
tennis
I make sure I stick to my game plan. My dad has instilled confidence in me from the day I started playing tennis when I was 8. I have trust in both my training and preparation, and always believe in myself and know that I can win.
young star,
You’re a how do you prepare yourself when playing against the
greats?
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 key dishes.
chef.
taught
You’re also a budding What’s your favourite thing about cooking? What has it
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.
relax
cooking
How does the pace of compare to tennis? What benefits does being able to
I get up, go to practice, come home, do schoolwork and go back to practice. Of course, there is always eating, relaxing, and hanging with family and friends in between.
of Coco?
What’s a typical day in
the life
My favorite dish is Carbonara. Always make sure to add pasta water to make it creamy and never actually use cream [laughs]. I also love Pesto, especially when I’m in Italy — the basilico is just different.
favorite pasta
What’s your
dish? How do you like to make it?
I try to always remember that nobody is bigger than the game and to treat everyone with respect, especially those that are sacrificing so much to help me succeed. It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.
keeping grounded?
What’s your mantra for
And how do you express it in your
daily life?
For more information about Coco Gauff’s partnership with Barilla as well as more on the iconic pasta brand, be sure to check out its website.
Find Out More
Tennis Star Tells Us How She Unwinds From the
YOU?
in the kitchen have?
greats?