Tennis

Coco Gauff's whirlwind summer continued with a dominant first-round victory at the US Open, where she showcased her new signature shoe and a special Olympic necklace.The 19-year-old, who became the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam final at the 2022 French Open, has been enjoying a surreal few months. She has graced the cover of a tennis video game, landed on a Wheaties cereal box, and been selected as Team USA's flag bearer alongside LeBron James at the 2024 Paris Olympics.At her New Balance Coco CG2 launch party, Gauff was surprised by a performance from artist Jaden Smith, who sang his hit song "Icon." Gauff, who often listens to the song before matches, was thrilled to see him perform it live.On Monday, Gauff put her off-court excitement aside and returned to business on the court. She dispatched Varvara Gracheva in straight sets, dropping just two games in a 66-minute match.Gauff's custom New Balance kit for the US Open featured a cornflower blue dress with strategic cutouts and a pleated skirt. She completed the look with her new Coco CG2 shoes in the launch colorway of Power and Grace.After the match, Gauff revealed a new white-gold necklace featuring the Olympic rings, a gift from Desirae Krawczyk to the Olympic tennis team. "I was like, I just came off the Olympics and was a flag bearer. So I might as well flex that," Gauff said.Gauff will face Tatjana Maria in the second round on Wednesday. The German defeated Argentine qualifier Solana Sierra in straight sets to advance.

Coco Gauff's meteoric rise in tennis has been accompanied by a parallel evolution in her signature footwear. A year after her triumph at the 2023 US Open, New Balance unveils the second edition of her signature shoe, the Coco CG2, set to launch on August 21st.Inspired by the classic New Balance 550s, the CG2 features a distinctive high profile and a playful swap of the basketball on the tongue label for a tennis ball. Gauff's personal style shines through in the shoe's design, with the word "Power" woven into the left shoe's label and "Grace" on the right. Her initials, "CG," are etched on the pivot point.The CG2's geometric-shaped design, stability, and flexibility pay homage to Gauff's beloved city of Paris, where she reached her first Grand Slam final in 2022. Suede overlays enhance the shoe's off-court style, while its responsive Energy Arc technology ensures on-court explosiveness."I had as much fun designing and collaborating on the CG2 as I did with the CG1," said Gauff. "My relationship with the New Balance team is incredible, and I'm excited to see what people think of the evolution of this shoe!"The New Balance Coco CG2 launches with the "Power and Grace" colorway on August 21st.

Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation, has been making waves both on and off the court at Wimbledon 2023. Her impressive performances, coupled with her striking fashion choices, have drawn comparisons to tennis legend Serena Williams.Gauff's New Balance kit at this year's Championships features bold cutouts at the mid-back and hips, reminiscent of Williams' iconic Nike dress from 2019. The American teenager, however, is quick to dispel any notions of imitation."I think that Serena has just done every iconic dress 'fit in the game that unintentionally you can have something inspired by her," Gauff explained. "It was similar to my Australian Open outfit this year. Some people thought it was inspired by her, which it wasn't."Gauff acknowledges Williams' influence on tennis fashion, but emphasizes that her own style is unique. "I feel like Serena is such an icon that everybody can have inspiration from her, like she's the original," she said. "I take it as an acknowledgment."The 18-year-old's Grand Slam kits are meticulously planned years in advance, with input from Gauff herself. However, she credits the creative team at New Balance for bringing her vision to life."I don't really ever design anything," Gauff admitted. "I tell them what I want and then they put it into a nice way."Gauff's fashion choices extend beyond her on-court attire. Her honey-blonde braids, inspired by singer Willow Smith, have also garnered attention.The American's impressive form and stylish appearance have made her a fan favorite at Wimbledon. She will face British qualifier Sonay Kartal on Friday, looking to continue her strong run in the tournament.

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has received a flattering tribute from WNBA star Cameron Brink. Brink, a rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks, went viral for her pregame cosplay of Gauff's Roland Garros outfit.Brink, who is also sponsored by New Balance, arrived at the arena for a game against the Indiana Fever wearing a similar New Balance collared polo tank and pleated skirt to the separates that Gauff has been wearing on court in Paris."I want to be like Coco," Brink said.Gauff, who is a noted basketball fan, was surprised and delighted by the shoutout."I haven't got the chance to meet Cameron yet, but obviously been watching her a lot when she was at Stanford and now seeing her in the WNBA is great, and I definitely want to try to catch a game," Gauff said.Gauff also expressed her hope that Brink would one day have the chance to show off her own style chops with her own signature New Balance shoe."I hope one day maybe ... I can rock it too for my press events," Gauff said. "She's awesome."Gauff has been equally impressive on the court at Roland Garros. She clinched a spot in the quarterfinals for the fourth straight year with a 6-1, 6-2 win over unseeded Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Sunday. In four matches in Paris, Gauff hasn't lost a set and has surrendered just 18 games.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, has unveiled her latest signature shoe with New Balance, the Coco CG1 "Grey Days." This special-edition sneaker is a nod to the brand's heritage and the moody neutrals that have become synonymous with the Boston-based sportswear giant.The "Grey Days" CG1 features a hairy suede upper in a range of subtle stone and off-white hues. The sand-colored sole bears the inspiring words of Gauff's father, "You can change the world with your racquet." This message reflects Gauff's commitment to using her platform for social change.The Grey Coco CG1 is the culmination of New Balance's annual Grey Day celebration, which pays homage to the color that has become emblematic for the brand since its introduction in the 1980s. Throughout the month, New Balance athletes, including Gauff and Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, have showcased their own gray sneakers and apparel.Gauff's shoe will make its Grand Slam debut at Roland Garros, where the gray and beige design will face the ultimate test on the tournament's infamous terre-battue surface. The shoe will be unveiled in person at "Coco's Court," a pop-up experience in Paris ahead of the tournament.The pop-up will offer fans a chance to experience Gauff's favorite treats and activities, customize their own apparel, and enjoy live music. The "Grey Days" CG1 will be available for purchase on May 24th, adding a touch of moody elegance to the tennis courts and beyond.