Coco Gauff, the rising star of tennis, is gearing up for the 2026 US Open following a challenging experience in the previous year’s tournament. After her defeat in the fourth round against Naomi Osaka in 2025, Gauff has since made significant adjustments to her game, particularly focusing on her serving technique. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, she expressed her relief at being able to fully embrace her sport again, attributing her renewed happiness on the court to these changes.
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At just 22 years of age, Gauff understands the importance of a strong support network, which includes her family, coaches, and mental health resources. Her coaches, Jean-Christophe Faurel and Gavin MacMillan, have played an essential role in her development, but Gauff also emphasises the importance of emotional support, stating she has been frequently in touch with her family lately as they have been her anchor during tough times.
In the interview, Gauff shared her appreciation for her family, especially her youngest brother, Cameron, who has always been there for her. “I’ve been bothering them when I’m bored, and they’ve been picking up the phone, so I’m definitely grateful to them always,” she said. She also cheekily referred to a popular meme about calling someone for a billion dollars, declaring, “That’s definitely my youngest brother, Cameron. I know he’ll always pick up.”
Cameron, who is just 13, has consistently shown his support for his sister’s tennis journey. In a heartwarming moment last year, he even created a colourway for her New Balance sneakers, showcasing his commitment to her success. Although he might not openly express the excitement that comes with having a famous sister, Gauff revealed that he remains quietly supportive while maintaining his composure about her achievements.
Looking ahead to her opening match against Turkey’s Zeynep Sönmez on September 1, 2026, Gauff is optimistic and prepared. She shared insights into her training regimen and nutrition, particularly her partnership with Naked Smoothies, which she finds instrumental in maintaining her energy levels. “I drink Naked mainly in between practices or sometimes early in the morning when I don’t have enough time to get a breakfast in,” she mentioned, highlighting her preference for liquid meal replacements.
The convenience of smoothies aligns with her busy schedule, as she said, “I just find it easier to drink my snack instead of actually physically eating something.” Gauff appreciates the nutritional benefits, especially the 20 grams of protein found in Naked’s Blueberry Cheesecake Protein smoothie, adding that it contains no added sugar—a vital aspect for an athlete of her calibre.
Gauff’s commitment to her sport, coupled with her emphasis on mental well-being, is evident. She has also been engaging with a therapist and journaling to manage the pressures that come with being in the public eye. This holistic approach to her preparation has contributed greatly to her mindset as she enters the illustrious US Open once again.
As the tournament looms, Gauff’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and personal growth. Her ability to adapt her game while maintaining a focus on her mental state demonstrates a maturity that belies her age. With a promising first-round matchup ahead, tennis fans will be eagerly anticipating her performance as she aims to make a lasting impression this season.
The 2026 US Open is not just another tournament for Gauff; it represents a potential turning point in her career. With her family standing firmly beside her and a newfound confidence in her gameplay, Gauff is ready to face the competitive challenges that lie ahead.