Wimbledon’s iconic all-white dress code goes beyond mere tradition it embodies the tournament’s enduring elegance and strict formality. While other Grand Slams welcome vibrant colors and expressive styles, Wimbledon remains a bastion of classic restraint. Still, some players have dared to challenge its conventions. In 2011, Serena Williams made waves by wearing hot pink tie-dye leggings during practice a striking statement against the norm. Though Serena has since retired, her spirit of bold self-expression endures. Today, rising star Coco Gauff respects the traditional standards, but as her career unfolds, could she be the next to redefine what it means to shine on tennis’s most prestigious stage?
Just hours ago, Coco Gauff fresh off her Roland Garros triumph and now preparing for battle on the grass courts of SW19 shared a sneak peek of her pre-Wimbledon glam on Instagram. In her stories, the American star showed off a chic light pink manicure, jokingly dubbed “Wimpy nails.” As she gears up for a shot at Wimbledon glory, Gauff is clearly bringing both her game and her style to center court.
Coco’s understated nail choice quickly sparked online buzz, unintentionally evoking memories of a fellow American icon Serena Williams. Known for boldly challenging tennis fashion norms, Serena didn’t merely follow Wimbledon’s rules; she redefined them on her own terms.
Consider 2008, when Serena made a striking entrance on Centre Court wearing a white trench coat over her dress a perfect blend of sophistication and quiet rebellion. She revived the trench in 2009 and, by 2014, elevated her look with a Nike blazer paired with a striped skirt, all complemented by silver jewelry and sleek monochrome accessories.
But Serena’s flair extended far beyond her outfits her nail art was equally captivating. With vibrant colors and daring designs, she turned her nails into miniature works of art. At Wimbledon, she once sported a mismatched manicure unified by a striking pop of bright orange. And at the 2013 WTA pre-Wimbledon party, she embraced a comic-book aesthetic, featuring pink “POW” graphics and whimsical blue-sky motifs.
Back in 2011, Serena made a statement with a bold purple shimmer, “Set… Match,” on all but one nail of each hand. The accent nail stood out in metallic silver “Your Royal Shine-Ness,” finished with a dazzling layer of “Servin’ Up Sparkle,” rich in holographic glitter. Every detail wasn’t just fashion it was a strategic display of confidence and control.
Now, with Serena stepping away from the court to embrace life beyond tennis after an unparalleled career marked by 23 Grand Slam titles, Coco Gauff steps confidently into the spotlight. Arriving at Wimbledon as a two-time Grand Slam champion, she brings a renewed mental focus, emotional ease, and a subtle yet powerful sense of style poised to carve out her own legacy on the grass.
How Coco Gauff’s mindset shift elevated her performance on the court
After securing the 2025 Roland Garros title, Coco Gauff unveiled a transformation that went deeper than strategy it was a mental and emotional evolution. “I realized that I have to look at the positives and control my own narrative and not let the narrative control me,” she shared. She’s no longer letting tennis define who she is or determine her emotional world, relationships, or self-worth. Now, as a two-time Grand Slam champion, Gauff is firmly in control, reshaping the definition of success on her own terms both within the game and beyond it.
This wasn’t just a change she spoke about it radiated from every step she took at Roland Garros. On the red clay, Gauff played with a newfound poise, grace, and authenticity as she overcame the top-seeded Belarusian in the French Open final. Even under pressure, she remained calm and centered. “I started to welcome more friends in my life,” she said. “More family, enjoying those experiences, taking trips… and I think the more I did that, the more I found happiness on the court.” That joy that sense of inner calm became her greatest weapon, more powerful than any shot in her arsenal.
She’s still the fearless talent who stunned the world at 15, but in 2025, Coco Gauff is no longer chasing approval. Now, she plays with freedom, not fear. Her growth isn’t just emotional it’s rooted in something much deeper.
As Wimbledon approaches, the question isn’t about Gauff’s skill she’s proven she has that in spades. The real test is whether her strengthened mindset can shatter her grass-court barrier and lead her to a third Grand Slam title. This time, she’s prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally.