Coco Gauff snaps at critics of her on-court looks amid American's struggles at US Open

Coco Gauff fired off a fiery message to her critics this week when she questioned why fans felt the need to weigh in on female tennis stars' appearances.

The tennis court has long set the stage for female athletes to serve up fashion and flair - the US Open most of all. 

Yet, some fans of the sport have questioned the time and effort female players put into their matchday looks. 

But Gauff, who has struggled through the first two rounds at Flushing Meadows, hit back at the critics this week, seemingly living by the motto, 'look good, play good.' 

'I don't know why it's such a big deal what women choose to do with their on-court or off-court looks,' Gauff said in a recent video for Vogue's 'Beauty Secrets' series.

'And I'm like, "I'm a human. Tennis is what I do, but it's not who I am",' the 21-year-old added, explaining, 'And I like to express my way just like any other person likes to express themselves.'

'For me, that's just showing up on court being the best version of myself,' Gauff continued, adding, 'But I definitely think if women want to do that, they should be celebrated and not persecuted for it.'

The two-time Grand Slam winner went on to reveal that she plans her outfits in advance of tournaments, co-ordinating her nails to match the selected look.  

However, she noted that it's 'very rare' when 'all the three things are done,' in reference to her hair, nails and outfit coordination. But Grand Slams are the exception with Gauff admitting she puts in greater effort for tennis's biggest events.

For this week's US Open - where she clinched her first Grand Slam title in 2023 - Gauff has sported a fiery red cropped New Balance top and a pleated white tennis skirt.

Yet, the real statement piece comes as she makes her arrival on court. Gauff has walked on for both her first and second round matches in a custom leather varsity jacket.

The jacket, which is also made by her sponsor New Balance, is embroidered with her iconic quote from her 2023 US Open Win: 'To those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you're really adding gas to it. And now I'm really burning so bright right now.' 

The American has struggled through the first two rounds in New York amid troubled with her service. 

So much so, in fact, that the 21-year-old was reduced to tears when consecutive double faults and a gut-wrenching break left her trailing Croatia's Donna Vekic 5-4 in the opening set of their second-round match. 

Gauff ultimately collected herself to produce a stunning comeback, taking the first set 7-6 (5) before winning the second 6-2. 

After the emotional clash, more tears came.

'Today was a tough match for me. But I'm just happy with how I was able to manage,' she said in her post-match interview.

Gauff then continued before her emotions got the better of her again: 'It's been a rough couple of weeks, but I'm just happy to be back on this court and you guys bring me so much joy.'

After regaining composure she added: 'You guys really, really help me a lot. So I'm doing this for myself, but I'm also doing it for you and no matter how tough it gets inside, you can do it.'

Gauff will now face Poland's Magdalena Frech in Saturday's showdown.