Coco Gauff, the rising star of tennis, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming US Open, emphasising that competing in the tournament means the world to her. The 22-year-old American athlete shared her enthusiasm in an exclusive interview, highlighting that playing on her preferred hard court and in front of passionate American fans brings her immense joy.
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In her own words, Gauff described the experience of stepping onto the court at the US Open as electrifying. “Every year, I forget how loud the American crowd can be,” she remarked. “You play throughout the season with fans that are encouraging, but there’s something unique about the energy here in the States.” Her appreciation for the vibrant atmosphere is palpable, as she fondly recalls the enthusiasm of the audience making her feel like each moment spent on the court is truly special.
As she prepares for the tournament, Gauff is currently in Cincinnati competing in one of her final warm-up matches. While discussing her training regime, she mentioned her fondness for Naked Smoothies, particularly the Green Machine and her own signature flavour, Coco’s Protein. “I’m just focusing on this tournament, and I have a week to practice before heading to New York,” she added, indicating her commitment to honing her skills ahead of the high-stakes competition.
Reflecting on her previous performance, Gauff reached the fourth round of the US Open in 2025 before facing defeat against Naomi Osaka. Looking back, she acknowledges that she was in a challenging place with her game at that time. “I made the decision to change my serve about a year ago, which was a tough adjustment. It took time for me to feel comfortable, but now I’m really pleased with the improvements I’ve made. It’s a great relief to be enjoying my time on the court again, rather than feeling weighed down by stress,” she explained.
Gauff highlighted the importance of mental well-being in her journey as an athlete. During challenging periods, she often turns to journaling or therapy as a means to cope. “I believe it’s crucial to take care of myself off the court. Smoothies are incredibly helpful, especially when I’m at home juggling multiple responsibilities,” she confessed. With a demanding training schedule, Gauff noted that her routine tends to be more structured during tournaments than at home.
As a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, including her victory at the US Open in 2023, Gauff revealed that she prefers liquid nutrition over solid meals for convenience. “I often drink Naked Smoothies between practices or in the mornings when I’m short on time. It’s an effective way for me to refuel without snacking in between sessions,” she remarked, underscoring the practicality of her dietary choices.
While Gauff is dedicated to maintaining peak physical fitness, she candidly shared her least favourite aspect of training: ice baths. “Last night was tough. My physio told me to get into the ice bath, but I only managed to dip my calves in,” she joked. Her light-hearted comment reveals a relatable side to her rigorous training regime, elaborating, “The thought of getting wet again after showering, and then being cold for the rest of the night, is just not appealing at all.”
As the tennis world looks forward to the start of the 2026 US Open on August 30, with the women’s singles final set for September 12, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Gauff as she steps onto her home turf. Her uplifting spirit and determination showcase her resilience and passion—a combination that promises to bring exciting moments throughout the tournament.
With her renewed approach to training, bolstered by mental resilience and a strong support system, Gauff is prepared to meet the challenges ahead. As she embraces the support of her fans, it’s clear that the court isn’t just a place of competition for her; it’s a venue where she truly thrives.