Coco Gauff reminds us that Grand Slam tournaments are more than a showcase of high-stakes matches and athletic prowess; they also present us with opportunities for laughter, friendliness and some good ol’ bantering! She recently had an amusing exchange with Chris Eubanks regarding an escape room adventure they both participated in together.
Eubanks was quick to share his observations after exiting from the Australian Open main draw and returned as a commentator; naturally he found himself sharing insights about off-court skills – or lack thereof – of his colleagues, particularly their escape room team effort efforts in Melbourne where Gauff’s confidence led to numerous challenging rooms selected, which caused Eubanks and company difficulty to navigate and overcome together.
Eubanks playfully admitted to misinterpreting one of the clues, a mistake Gauff apparently won’t let him forget. Despite his attempt to preemptively share his side of the story, Gauff’s response was succinct and cheeky, labeling him a “hater.” This exchange highlights the camaraderie and lighthearted moments athletes share off the field, demonstrating Gauff’s pride in her escape room abilities, which, according to Eubanks, she believes are unmatched.
Gauff’s passion for escape rooms was illustrated through an anecdote about helping teammates Taylor Fritz and Desirae Krawczyk navigate a particularly tough challenge by calling herself their “lucky charm.” Gauff considers escape room challenges such as this part of her 21st birthday festivities at Indian Wells tournament; in particular she envisaged an intimate celebration incorporating escape room challenges as one element among many to mark this landmark birthday, reflecting both her grounded nature despite global tennis stardom.
As Coco Gauff makes her way through the Australian Open, fans are watching for not only her powerful performances on court, but also for joyful and genuine moments she shares from life outside the sport – such as an exchange with Eubanks or plans for an extraordinary birthday celebration – which prove why so many find Gauff’s character engaging.