Back in 2023, Coco Gauff famously said, “I watched like four or five episodes of ‘My Hero Academia’ before I played,” just before storming into the US Open final, and ultimately lifting her maiden Grand Slam trophy by defeating Aryna Sabalenka. Nearly two years later, not much has changed. Once again, it’s Gauff vs. Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final, and Coco’s pre-match ritual includes a trip to the theater. But here’s the twist: anime isn’t on the list this time. Instead, she’s indulging in something far more bone-chilling. The big question isn’t just about the match anymore. The question is, what spine-tingling thriller is the 21-year-old watching this time?

Coco Gauff was in ruthless form at the Madrid Open, dismantling defending champion and 2nd seed Iga Świątek with a jaw-dropping 6-1, 6-1 victory in just 64 minutes. It marked Gauff’s 1st-ever win over Świątek on clay, a monumental breakthrough given her past struggles against the Polish star on the surface. With pinpoint precision and explosive power, the American delivered a career-defining performance to surge into her first WTA final of the 2025 season.

Coming off solid QF appearances at the Australian Open and Stuttgart, Gauff’s commanding SF sends a powerful message ahead of her championship showdown with top seed Aryna Sabalenka. But before stepping back onto the court, Gauff is soaking in some pre-final calm, this time at a Madrid theater. Swapping anime for something far more chilling, she’s immersed in a Hollywood thriller, building tension off the court before unleashing it on it!

Just a couple of moments ago, Coco Gauff took to her IG story to share a moment from a movie night in a Madrid theater. She was seen watching Sinners in a packed cinema and added the caption, “2nd time around is even better… lolll who tryna see it again with me in rome,” hinting that she’s planning a third viewing in Rome in the coming days. 

Just before her Madrid Open campaign began on April 24, the 21-year-old enjoyed an evening outing with her father, Corey Gauff, to catch Sinners in theaters. The film, which stars Michael B. Jordan in a thrilling double role as twin brothers, is directed by Black Panther’s Ryan Coogler and has just been released in the US on April 18. With rave reviews pouring in, it was no surprise that the Madrid theater was completely packed.

Coco Gauff expressed her enthusiasm for the movie on X, writing, “Sinners is fire! my theater in Madrid was packed ! my dad and I couldn’t even sit together, not complaining I‘m a movie theater lover and it’s good to see theaters packed out again!” Her post captured not just her excitement for the film but also her love for the moviegoing experience.

Now, with her 1st final of the 2025 season just around the corner, the 21-year-old American has more than cinema on her mind. Her former coach has stepped forward with glowing praise for Coco’s growth, a morale boost that may be exactly what she needs to conquer Aryna Sabalenka on clay this time.

Coco Gauff’s clay-court breakthrough against Iga Swiatek draws high praise from former coach Brad Gilbert

Coco Gauff grabbed headlines this Thursday after dismantling defending Madrid Open titleholder Iga Swiatek emphatically. What was anticipated to be a tightly contested battle turned into a one-sided show of dominance by the 2023 US Open champion. Gauff delivered a double breadstick 6-1, 6-1, to the Polish, needing just over an hour to book her place in her first-ever Madrid Open final.

This performance wasn’t just a win, it was a statement! Gauff’s 2025 season has been far from consistent. After reaching the quarterfinals at the AO, she hit a rough patch, suffering early exits in consecutive tournaments such as the Qatar Open, Dubai, Indian Wells, and the Miami Open. However, signs of a turnaround appeared at the Stuttgart Open, where she reached the QF. Now, in Madrid, she’s backed that up with a sensational run to the final.

Former coach Brad Gilbert, who guided Gauff during her breakout 2023 season, couldn’t hold back his admiration. Taking to X on Friday, the 63-year-old praised her outstanding SF performance, writing, “Mighty impressive effort from Coco, absolutely hammers 🔨 Iga Pop for her 1st win on clay 🧱 and 3rd straight win overall.” His reaction reflected the significance of the result. Gauff had finally overcome one of her toughest rivals on her least favorite surface.

Gilbert was an integral part of Gauff’s coaching setup when she won her 1st major title at the 2023 US Open. That historic moment saw her overcome her Madrid Open final opponent Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final, rallying back for a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 win at Flushing Meadows. His connection to her journey makes his praise even more meaningful.

As the Madrid Open final is about to commence, with the players evenly matched at 3-3 in their H2H record, who do you foresee winning the championship? Let us know your winner below!