Why does Coco Gauff put her tennis racquets in a fridge?


The unusual tactic may have looked surprising, but there’s actually a smart performance reason behind it


US Coco Gauff celebrates after winning against Egypt's Mayar Sherif at the end of their women's singles match on day 5 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Suzanne-Lenglen at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 28, 2026.  (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP via Getty Images)© AFP via Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
MAY 28, 2026 5:45 PM EDT

Coco Gauff opened her French Open title defense with a commanding 6-4, 6-0 win over fellow American Taylor Townsend, but her performance was not the only thing that caught attention in Paris. During the match, fans noticed the world No. 4 repeatedly placing her racquets inside a courtside refrigerator between games, sparking plenty of questions online.

The unusual tactic may have looked surprising, but there’s actually a smart performance reason behind it.

Coco Gauff of the United States after collecting her tennis racquets from the courtside fridge after her victory against Taylor Townsend.© Getty Images
Coco Gauff of the United States after collecting her tennis racquets from the courtside fridge after her victory against Taylor Townsend.

The Tennis Science Behind Coco Gauff’s Racquet Fridge

On warm days, tennis players constantly battle changing court conditions. Heat doesn’t just affect the athletes. It also impacts the equipment, especially racquet strings, according to Former Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki

“String tension changes with different weather,” Lisicki wrote. “When it’s hot, tension tends to drop quicker than usual. The racquet bags are always in direct sun, so she wanted to be extra safe and put them in the fridge… I wonder how it feels when you take it out and play with it right away. I never tried it.”

Coco Gauff of United States arrives at the stadium prior to the Women's Singles First Round match.© Getty Images
Coco Gauff of United States arrives at the stadium prior to the Women's Singles First Round match.

Gauff was attempting to keep the string tension more stable and preserve a consistent response from each racquet.

Why String Tension Matters So Much in Tennis

String tension is one of the most important elements of racquet setup in professional tennis. Tighter strings generally offer more control, while looser strings can generate extra power and comfort.

When tension drops unexpectedly because of heat, players may struggle to hit with their usual precision. On clay courts like those at the French Open, where long rallies and heavy topspin are common, consistency becomes even more important.

Coco Gauff of United States celebrates a point against Mayar Sherif of Egypt.© Getty Images
Coco Gauff of United States celebrates a point against Mayar Sherif of Egypt.

Professional players often bring multiple racquets strung at slightly different tensions, depending on weather conditions. Some even restring racquets daily during tournaments. 

After a competitive first set against Taylor Townsend, Gauff completely took control in the second set, winning 6-0 to advance comfortably into the next round.

Coco Gauff of United States plays a backhand against Mayar Sherif of Egypt.© DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Coco Gauff of United States plays a backhand against Mayar Sherif of Egypt.

Following the match, Gauff also revealed she had experienced a minor car accident on the way to the stadium earlier in the day. According to the American star, the vehicle bumped into a pole.

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