Quote of the Day: Coco the Critic - Gauff ranks Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton's US Open outfits

"Frances told me at French Open that he had something crazy planned for US Open," Gauff revealed. "I was like, You're wearing confetti!"

ByBaseline Staff

Published Sep 04, 2023

The Break: Breaking Down The Match Kits At The US Open

WATCH: Breaking Down The Match Kits At The US Open | The Break

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Coco Gauff came through a tough test against resurgent Caroline Wozniacki at the US Open, ending the Dane’s dream run in the fourth round, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. The victory made her one of four Americans to book a singles quarterfinal berth on Sunday, alongside Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.

It’s been all about the Americans during an electric US Open fortnight in all disciplines, with inspiring storylines all through the draws—from Gauff and Jessica Pegula doubles dominance, to Shelton and Taylor Townsend mixed doubles run. In singles, Fritz, Tiafoe and Shelton have already marked a major milestone, with the most American men into the US Open quarterfinals since 2005.

But while their tennis has been on point, Gauff says that their style choices leave a bit more to be desired.

Our Baseline Quote of the Day, courtesy of Coco Gauff the fashion critic:

COCO GAUFF: After my match, Ben and Frances were in the cool-down area… and it was really just cool to see us all there. Obviously the conversation, they already started the trash talk. I'm indifferent who wins, but I did say that Frances is a little bit upset because I said Ben had the better outfit than him. (laughter)

Yeah, because Frances told me at French Open that he had something crazy planned for US Open. I was like, You're wearing confetti! (laughter) I said Carlos [Alcaraz] looked better. He's going to hate this (smiling).

Love you, Frances!

"I'm indifferent who wins, but I did say that Frances (left) is a little bit upset because I said Ben (right) had the better outfit than him," Gauff reveals.

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Fashion statements aside, Gauff had plenty of love for her fellow American players on Sunday—especially applauding Shelton’s 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 upset over No. 14 seed Tommy Paul earlier in the day.

“I was so happy. Obviously I know Tommy [Paul] really well, too. But I was really happy for Ben's win,” Gauff said in a post-match press conference. “Especially they played each other in Australia, so it's nice to just see the competitiveness between the countrymen and us all doing well.

“With Ben and Frances [Tiafoe] winning guarantees a person in the semi. With Jess [Pegula] and Maddie [Keys] playing, it guarantees a person in the quarters.

“It's just really exciting tennis for America. I hope that the fans are excited and happy with it.”

No. 6 seed Gauff awaits the winner of No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 20 Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

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