At Super Bowl 60, American tennis star Coco Gauff openly shared that her support for the Seattle Seahawks was influenced more by personal connections than traditional sports allegiance. Speaking ahead of the Qatar Open in Doha, Gauff revealed that her rooting interest in the Seahawks came from a friendship, not from being a regular football fan.
The showdown at Levi’s Stadium between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots rekindled a notable rivalry dating back to their dramatic 2015 encounter. The Seahawks emerged victorious once again, securing a 29–13 win behind strong defense, five field goals by Jason Myers, and Kenneth Walker III’s MVP-worthy performance that kept the clock steadily moving.
While many observers focused on the competitive importance of this Super Bowl rematch and the Seahawks’ commanding gameplay, Gauff’s perspective was more personal. During a press conference before the Qatar Open, she remarked,
“My friend’s boyfriend is on the Seahawks, so I’m rooting for the Seahawks strictly because of her,”
Coco Gauff, tennis star.
She also expressed enthusiasm for the halftime entertainment, stating,
“I’m excited to see Bad Bunny perform. Hopefully Cardi B can come out.”
Coco Gauff, tennis star.
Despite the historic implications of the game, Gauff admitted that the actual football contest didn’t capture her full attention, adding,
“So I’m more interested in the halftime show this year, just because I don’t really have a dog in the fight for the Super Bowl. I’ll probably be sleeping, and I’ll just watch the halftime show in the morning,”
Coco Gauff, tennis star.
Coco Gauff’s Recent Tennis Form and Upcoming Doha Appearance
Coming off her performance at the Australian Open, where she was seeded third, Gauff demonstrated strong form by advancing to her third consecutive quarterfinal at the year’s first Grand Slam. Her victories over Kamilla Rakhimova, Olga Danilović, Hailey Baptiste, and 19th seed Karolína Muchová showcased her skill and determination.
However, her journey was halted in the quarterfinals after a challenging match against 12th seed Elina Svitolina, who defeated Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in less than an hour. Despite this setback, Gauff quickly shifted her focus to the upcoming WTA 1000 event in Doha.
The Qatar Open, hosted at the outdoor hard courts of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex from February 8 to 10, will mark Gauff’s fifth participation at this tournament. Seeded fourth in the singles draw, she earned a first-round bye and is set to face lucky loser Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her opening match. Their upcoming meeting will be their fourth on the WTA Tour, with Gauff undefeated against Cocciaretto so far.
In doubles, Gauff teams with Victoria Mboko to take on the seventh-seeded pair Cristina Bucșa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in the first round, continuing a partnership that has brought mutual support on the court.
Examining the Wider Context of Gauff’s Athletic Focus and Interests
Although Gauff’s primary focus remains on her tennis career and the challenges ahead in Doha, her candid remarks about the Super Bowl highlight a separation between her sports passions and personal relationships. This nuanced perspective underscores how athletes often have interests and priorities extending beyond their professional domains.
Gauff’s support for the Seahawks was less about the game itself and more about a personal link, reflecting an uncommon reason for a young athlete to engage with a major sporting event. Her interest in the halftime show further demonstrates how cultural and entertainment elements can overshadow the sporting competition for some viewers.
As Gauff continues to prepare for the Qatar Open, her performance there will be watched closely by fans and analysts, particularly given her recent Grand Slam results. Success in Doha could signal a return to top form and set the tone for the remainder of her season.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory not only revisited one of football’s memorable rivalries but also handed a triumphant moment to players like Kenneth Walker III and Jason Myers, whose efforts defined the game’s outcome.
"So I'm more interested in the halftime show this year, just because I don't really have a dog in the fight for the Super Bowl. I'll probably be sleeping, and I'll just watch the halftime show in the morning." (2/2)
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) February 8, 2026
