'I think we should cherish the moment while it's here': Coco Gauff was desperate to watch Venus Williams play at DC Open

Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old tennis star, recently shared a personal moment that offered fans a rare glimpse into her life beyond the court. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Gauff revealed that she cooked dinner for herself and her boyfriend while watching Venus Williams' historic victory at the DC Open on July 22, 2025. This admission was particularly surprising, as Gauff has previously stated that she rarely cooks.

The act of preparing a meal underscored her admiration for Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, and highlighted the significance of the match for Gauff. She described it as "the first match I've been excited to watch in a while," emphasizing the rarity of such moments in her busy schedule. It was a quiet evening, but one filled with appreciation and reflection, as Gauff savoured not only her meal but the chance to witness a living legend in action.

"I never cook, but I made dinner that night... Dinner and everything because I was so excited to watch her play," the 21-year-old told PEOPLE. "That was the first match I've been excited to watch in a while. My boyfriend was with me and I was just like, 'Oh my gosh, I can't wait,' "

Gauff's boyfriend, whose identity remains private, joined her for the evening. She expressed her excitement about the match, noting that she eagerly anticipated Williams' performance. Gauff's gesture of cooking dinner was a testament to her respect for Williams and her desire to create a memorable experience around the match. It also reflected a side of Gauff that fans don't often see, a young woman taking time to enjoy simple pleasures and share them with someone close to her. In the middle of a life filled with tournaments, training, and travel, such moments offer grounding and connection.

Wanting Shelton to hurry up

The match itself was historic, with Williams becoming the oldest player to win a tour-level singles match since 47-year-old Martina Navratilova in 2004. Williams' victory was a testament to her enduring talent and resilience, qualities that Gauff admires deeply. In her interview, Gauff praised Williams for her longevity in the sport, noting that such sustained excellence is rare in professional tennis. She acknowledged that while she doesn't plan to play into her forties like Williams, she is committed to maintaining her health and fitness to ensure a long and successful career. Observing Williams compete offers inspiration for Gauff, highlighting the rewards of perseverance, discipline, and the love of the game.

"She was after Ben Shelton, and I was like, 'Ben needs to wrap this up. I can't wait to see Venus, I think for women's tennis it's great just to see the longevity that we can have, especially in a sport like tennis. I don't think it's really that common in any other sport except maybe golf to have this longevity. So I think we should cherish the moment while it's here."

"And I think it's great to see an icon like her still performing at a high level for, at this point, decades, which is impressive," the tennis star continued. "I don't think I will be able to do that... and I don't think too many players can or will be able to do that."

Gauff's reflections on Williams' career also shed light on her own aspirations. She expressed a desire to balance her professional achievements with personal well-being, aiming for longevity in the sport without compromising her health. This perspective aligns with her approach to life, where she strives to find harmony between her demanding career and personal moments of joy and connection. While young stars are often portrayed as relentlessly focused, Gauff’s anecdote demonstrates that downtime, even something as simple as preparing a meal and watching a match, contributes to mental and emotional balance.

Continued endeavours off court

Beyond her athletic endeavours, Gauff has been expanding her influence off the court. She recently partnered with Naked Smoothies to launch her own creation: the Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie. This limited-edition product, featuring 20 grams of plant-based protein and essential vitamins, will be available in select stores and at a New York City pop-up event, Coco’s Corner Store, from August 21–22, ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open starting August 24. Gauff's involvement in the development of the smoothie reflects her commitment to health and wellness, values she consistently promotes both on and off the court. Her influence extends beyond tennis, inspiring fans to embrace nutrition, fitness, and personal goals in their daily lives.

Through both her athletic prowess and personal endeavours, Coco Gauff continues to inspire and connect with her audience. Her story about cooking dinner while watching Venus Williams' match offers a rare insight into her life beyond the spotlight, showcasing her admiration for tennis legends and her ability to find joy in simple, personal moments. It demonstrates her multidimensional personality: a driven athlete, a thoughtful young woman, and a relatable individual who cherishes meaningful experiences. As she continues to navigate her career, Gauff remains a role model for young athletes and fans alike, proving that success is not only measured by achievements but also by the ability to balance ambition with authenticity. In moments like these, fans see the person behind the public persona, a reminder that even champions savour quiet, human experiences that connect them to the people and passions they love.