American tennis star Coco Gauff has embraced a unique way to cope with setbacks amid her ongoing struggle to make a breakthrough at Wimbledon. Her growing obsession with the reality TV show Love Island has become a surprising source of comfort and motivation as she prepares for the All England Club tournament, aiming to overcome her past disappointments on grass courts.

How Coco Gauff Uses Reality TV to Recharge After Losses

Following a difficult Olympic campaign marked by an early exit in Paris, Coco Gauff found solace in spending low-key downtime with her family. Alongside her younger brother Cameron, she indulged in binge-watching Love Island, which she credits with helping her mentally recover.

“We literally just stayed at home and just did nothing. Just watched Love Island together,”

Gauff shared after that period of regrouping.

The two-time Grand Slam champion explained her approach to self-care candidly, saying,

“Self‑care can just feel like too much work… I just want to just do nothing and just sit and just rot, literally.”

This laid-back escape through the reality show’s latest season has acted as an unconventional form of therapy during a tough phase, especially after a recent unexpected loss on grass before Wimbledon.

Love Island Season 7 Gains Fans Including Megan Thee Stallion and Coco Gauff

Love Island’s seventh season, currently popular in the US, has captured a diverse fanbase, including major celebrities. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion publicly expressed her admiration for one particular fan-favorite couple, Nicolandria, made up of Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen, both early exits who are now slated to return. Megan’s enthusiasm sparked much attention during fan interactions online.

Coco Gauff has identified herself as a passionate follower of the show as well. Recently, she openly tweeted about staying up late to watch, writing, “nicolandria stans we upppp #LoveIslandUSA.” This public declaration highlights the depth of her dedication amid the pressures of professional tennis.

Her emotional investment in the show surfaced again when she admitted to tearing up over a touching episode, equating the experience with a famous cinematic moment:

“Girl the last time I cried that hard was when iron man died in endgame. I love me some Olandria! but it looks like they will be coming back, so this episode was more like my infinity war #loveislandsusa #marvel”

, she posted on June 25.

Recent Setbacks Signal a Test Ahead on Grass Courts

Despite riding high after securing the 2025 French Open title, Gauff’s transition to grass courts has been challenging. In an unanticipated early-round defeat in Berlin, China’s Xinyu Wang eliminated her, raising questions about her readiness for Wimbledon’s unique surface.

This unexpected loss has fueled speculation around Gauff’s chances as the Wimbledon tournament approaches. While she shines on hard and clay courts, grass remains elusive, and her struggle to advance beyond the fourth round in previous years adds to the uncertainty. Her initial Wimbledon appearance came in 2019, and though she matched her fourth-round finish in 2021 and last year, she has yet to break the barrier toward a title run.

Gauff Reveals Strategic Changes to Overcome Wimbledon Challenges

Determined to turn the page on past performances, Gauff recently discussed her evolving tactics for grass-court success. During a candid chat with Vogue, she acknowledged the difficulties she faces adapting her style for Wimbledon’s surface but expressed commitment to change her approach.

“Grass has been trial and error for me. The biggest thing, I think, is just to be more aggressive,”

she admitted.

She elaborated on the technical differences between surfaces, explaining,

“On clay, you have a little more time; you can slide, you can use the height of the ball’s bounce a bit more. That’s less so on grass.”

Consequently, Gauff plans to apply more pressure in her game by taking a louder stance in serving and shot-making, noting,

“more aggressively… and I want to serve a lot bigger.”

These tactical shifts signal Gauff’s intent to unlock her potential on grass, aiming for deeper runs at Wimbledon where success has remained elusive.

The Intersection of Gauff’s Pop Culture Obsession and Athletic Drive

Coco Gauff’s dedication to Love Island reveals a layer of her personality often unseen in the athletic world. Juggling intense training and competition demands, she finds balance by indulging in popular culture, showing how athletes can benefit from diverse sources of mental renewal.

This blend of reality TV companionship and focused sports preparation reflects her unique method of combating pressure and setbacks. Gauff’s openness about these interests humanizes her story, painting the journey of a young star navigating the highs and lows of elite sport while maintaining her individuality.

What’s Next for Coco Gauff at Wimbledon?

As Wimbledon 2025 looms, Coco Gauff’s approach to the tournament will be closely watched. If her strategy of aggressive play translates into results, she could finally overcome the sixth-year hurdle and make a significant impact on grass. Meanwhile, her Love Island passion remains a symbolic backdrop to her mental resilience, providing emotional refuge amid the intensity of the tennis season.

The tennis community and fans alike will be eager to see if combining her off-court rituals with revamped tactics can break the pattern and lead Gauff to her first Wimbledon championship.