Coco Gauff Says Female Athletes Can Be Both Strong and Feminine

For the release of Miu Miu Beauty's new "Miutine" perfume, the brand tapped tennis champion Coco Gauff to be U.S. ambassador of the fragrance. Along with fellow ambassadors Chloë Sevigny and Paloma Elsesser, Gauff is the face of the perfume and the beginning of Miu Miu Beauty's newest era. Known for its irreverent nature and sweet yet earthy scent notes, "Miutine" is multifaceted and complex — just like Gauff's triumphant tennis career.

Citing her rhythm and precision, Miu Miu says Gauff's ability to redefine what it means to be a modern athlete is the reason for the partnership. "Beyond the court, Gauff is a powerful advocate for equity and self-expression, using her platform to champion causes that resonate with a new generation," the brand says in a press release. For the tennis player, teaming up with Miu Miu isn't only an opportunity to tap into her personal love for beauty, but also a way to further the idea that female athletes aren't confined to anyone's standards.

Ahead, we speak to Coco Gauff about what the partnership means to her and how she's attempting to break the stigma surrounding women in sports.

On Being a Miu Miu Ambassador

It’s a huge honor to be part of the Miu Miu Beauty family. I love that the brand stands for individuality and confidence — things I want more of for myself and also want to reflect to other young athletes and young women. Navigating this world feels really important. With "Miutine" and the whole campaign, I think the launch embodies that, so it's really cool to be part of it.

On What "Miutine" Means to Her

On Her Personal Connection to Perfume

My mom loves fragrance, she has bottles everywhere. This year she even said she didn't want anyone to buy her perfume for Christmas because we've given it to her so many times. Seeing the women in my household use fragrance as part of their beauty routines is something I inherited and now curate in my own way. I like matching scents to my outfits. I love that.

On the Relationship Between Tennis and Beauty

They're very connected. Tennis is one of the few sports, maybe other than golf or gymnastics, where you can really wear what you want. There's no uniform or jersey. We can wear jewelry, and in some sports you can wear makeup too, but tennis has that flexibility. Recently, a lot of fashion trends have even come from the tennis court, so I think the two worlds are very connected.

On How Her Beauty Routine Prepares Her for Matches

In the morning, before I leave the hotel to warm up, I do my skincare routine. Right before going on court, I'll put on lip gloss, spray a little "Miutine," and tie my shoes. Those are the last things I do before walking onto the court. It’s just a moment for me to breathe, when all the adrenaline is going, I like having that little pause to slow everything down.

On the Trend of Female Athletes Teaming up With Beauty Brands

I think it's because people used to try to put athletes in one box, especially female athletes. Sometimes people try to masculinize us. We want to celebrate being strong and bold, having muscles, but also being feminine, wearing makeup, wearing perfume, dressing how we want. People used to equate femininity with weakness. Now, society is realizing that you can be both strong and feminine. Those two things can coexist.

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