Coco Gauff participated in the intense recoupling process during Love Island USA’s seventh season, which sparked significant drama among the contestants. The event took place a week after the show began, culminating in the first elimination, with the results revealed in Episode 12 on June 15. Twelve islanders remain on the show, living together in a villa located in Fiji, where they engage in romantic connections, disputes, and competitive challenges, all aiming to win $100,000.
The recoupling votes formed six pairs still in the competition: Jalen and Olandria, Pepe and Hannah, Iris and Jeremiah, Ace and Amaya, Austin and Chelley, and Cierra and Nic. Gauff, who recently won the 2025 French Open, described the episode’s tension and twists as chaotic.
“Love Island tonight was messssyyyy.”
Although Gauff played up her surprise about the recoupling outcomes, she admitted privately that the results aligned perfectly with her own votes.
“Me acting shocked at the results even though that’s exactly what I voted for.”
How Coco Gauff Unwinds After the Paris Olympics
After her Olympic appearance in Paris, Gauff revealed she uses watching Love Island as a way to relax, sharing this downtime with her 11-year-old brother, Cameron. She expressed some amusement about the choice to watch the show with him, noting his exposure to older siblings influences his viewing habits.
“Sunday, we literally just stayed at home and just did nothing. Just watched Love Island together,” Coco said. “Which, I don’t know if I should watch Love Island with my 11-year-old brother, but he has older siblings, so I feel like that’s just kind of how it goes.”
Coco Gauff’s New Approach to Finding Joy in Tennis
Following her victory at the 2025 French Open, Gauff reflected on the mindset shifts that improved her happiness both on and off the tennis court. Instead of allowing tennis to dictate her mood and self-worth, she focused more on positive relationships with family and friends, which in turn enhanced her performance and satisfaction in the sport.
“I can’t be my biggest opponent first. I already have one opponent. I don’t need two. I realized that I have to look at the positives and control my own narrative and not let the narrative control me. And I felt like I was letting the tennis control my emotions, control my self-worth, control how I approach life and friendships, and I realized it should be the opposite. I started to welcome more friends in my life.
“More family, enjoying those experiences, taking trips, going to concerts, and things like that. And I think the more I did that, the more I found happiness on the court.”
Gauff secured her first French Open title and second Grand Slam by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, confirming her status as a rising tennis champion.
The Broader Significance of Gauff’s Balance Between Sport and Life
Coco Gauff’s participation in Love Island USA’s recoupling highlights her ability to engage in popular culture outside her athletic career, providing her with much-needed relaxation after major events like the Paris Olympics. Her candid reflections on managing pressure and embracing personal happiness reveal how athletes can maintain mental well-being while pursuing demanding goals. As she continues to compete and grow in tennis, Gauff’s evolving approach to personal balance may inspire others in both sports and entertainment.