New hairstyle marks Coco Gauff's 'new era'

WATCH: Coco Gauff's winning streak his six with a third-round win over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in Montreal.

It’s been a transformative summer for Coco Gauff. Alongside the introduction of fresh faces to her player box, the 19-year-old has embraced a new, unique hairstyle.

The American teenager has competed in her signature box braids since she first burst onto the scene at Wimbledon four years ago—but she wanted to switch it up for the summer hard-court swing. Beginning last week at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, Gauff's been sporting intricately-woven cornrows that seamlessly transform into a bun.

“Honestly, I wanted to try this and I got tired of braids all the time. I like to change up my hair,” she told the press last week in D.C., where she won her fourth career WTA singles title. “I’ve tried color in the past with the braids and everything, but I just needed something different.”

Gauff, in fact, has yet to drop a set in her six matches post-hair change, and on Thursday, earned a decisive 6-3, 6-0 victory over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the third round in Montreal.

“I really like [the hairstyle]. A lot of people love it, and it does feel weird not having anything on my back,” she added. “I don't know if I really like that yet or not.”

Gauff said she’ll keep the look for the US Open, but will likely return to wearing her trademark style when she plays abroad.

“This is the new, I wouldn't even say look, because if you're Black, you know, you change your hair all the time,” she said. “This is going to be it for [the] US Open. Probably post-US Open I'm going to go back to the braids because when I go to Europe, I need something that's easier to maintain.”

While traveling on tour, the world No. 7 opts for protective hairstyles, offering a shield for her textured hair against harsh weather and excessive styling.

“The hair is still going to be somewhat in a protective style and the nails are still going to be there,” Gauff maintained. “I know a lot of people think I need to cut my nails to help me hit a forehand better. I did try the short nails, and it did not make my forehand better. These are here to stay.”

While a manicure didn't enhance Gauff's forehand, the recent incorporations to her team—coach Pere Riba and consultant Brad Gilbert—might have, and has propelled the young star to showcase some of her best tennis yet.

“I guess you could say this is a new era,” Gauff said. “New coaching, new team, new everything.”