Coco Gauff Relies on 'Simple' Agility Training and Fruit-Filled Meals for Sustained Success

At 21, Coco Gauff admits she's not enthusiastic about early mornings. Despite this, she still drags herself out of bed at dawn, though only after several alarms. "I set an alarm at around 5 or 5:30 a.m., sleep a bit more, and then finally get up by 6:30," she shared with Business Insider.

Starting as a tennis professional at just 14, Gauff quickly made a name for herself by defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon a year later. Her impressive wins include the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open, affirming her position as a top female athlete.

Her journey hasn't just been about winning titles. Partnerships with brands like Rolex and New Balance, accompanied by her own signature shoe, have earned her substantial endorsement deals. Forbes reported her earnings as $25 million in endorsements and $12.2 million in prizes by 2025.

With such achievements, Gauff's rigorous training remains a fundamental part of her future plans. In a Business Insider interview linked to her launch of a Naked smoothie, she described her unique mix of Gen Z casualness and an athlete's discipline.

Her workouts emphasize both agility and strength, focusing more on spin rather than sheer speed. Avoiding strict diets, she often skips snacks while training, embracing a more spontaneous approach to nutrition.

Focusing on Longevity in Training

Located in the heat of Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff begins her training by 8 a.m. to avoid the intense midday sun. Identifying as still half-asleep when she starts, she feels fully engaged by the end of her hour-long warmup.

In addition to refining her tennis skills, Gauff aims for strength-building sessions to enhance her longevity. Techniques like weighted squats transitioning into box jumps are part of her routine, along with exercise combinations that promote rapid movements.

"Injury prevention is paramount, particularly in tennis, where smaller muscle groups are critical," she explains, acknowledging the importance of her 'boring' yet essential exercises.

These methods may not be eye-catching but have proven effective. "I've managed to stay injury-free so far, and I intend to maintain this approach," she stated.

Adopting an Athlete's Dietary Lifestyle

Navigating her daily diet proves as challenging as the physical training. Maintaining a nutritional balance crucial for performance is already a full-time commitment in itself.

While famous athletes like Michael Phelps and Tom Brady have stringent dietary regimes, Gauff opts for a more relaxed approach. "Honestly, I often train on an empty stomach," she admitted, though she is working to change to ensure adequate nutrition.

Her challenge lies in eating during lengthy practice sessions due to a lack of hunger. One solution has been consuming fruit for swift energy boosts and muscle recovery. Her preference for varied fruit salads became a focus during the 2023 US Open, featuring favorites like pineapple.

Proteins also play a role, with Gauff consuming protein shakes and eggs throughout her day. Starting with eggs and toast for breakfast, she might have hard-boiled eggs following her initial training phase.

Gauff's diet isn't confined to specific rules, a legacy of her parents' desire for her to eat freely like any teenager. While indulging in fast food and desserts, she believes in moderation—key in meeting nutritional necessities.

Now more conscious of her dietary intake, Gauff accentuates protein, hydration, and timely eating.

Once her responsibilities wrap up around 2 p.m., she enjoys the remainder of her day like any young adult, whether socializing with friends or relaxing at home.