Coco Gauff Dominates US Open Opener, Showcases New Signature Shoe and Olympic Necklace

Coco Gauff Dominates US Open Opener, Showcases New Signature Shoe and Olympic Necklace

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.

US Open Preview: Ostapenko, Sinner, and Paul Face Intriguing First-Round Matches

US Open Preview: Ostapenko, Sinner, and Paul Face Intriguing First-Round Matches

The upcoming US Open promises thrilling matchups, including the highly anticipated clash between Jelena Ostapenko and Naomi Osaka. Despite their contrasting personalities, both players share a common trait: their ability to dominate opponents and produce unpredictable results.

Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, has had a mixed summer, reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals but losing early in Toronto. Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam winner, has also experienced ups and downs, nearly defeating Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros but losing to a lower-ranked player in Cincinnati.

Their only previous meeting, in 2016 at Roland Garros, saw Osaka prevail in two close sets. However, Ostapenko’s recent form and slightly higher win count this season suggest she may have the edge this time.

Another intriguing matchup is between Jannik Sinner and Mackenzie McDonald. Sinner, the top seed, faces questions about his mindset after revelations of positive drug tests. However, he has expressed relief at having the ordeal behind him and may play more freely.

McDonald, an American, has a strong two-handed backhand and has pushed Sinner to three sets in the past. The crowd support for McDonald could make this a competitive match, but Sinner’s power and experience should ultimately prevail.

Tommy Paul, the third-highest-ranked American man, faces a tough first-round opponent in Lorenzo Sonego. Sonego recently won a title in Winston-Salem without dropping a set, while Paul has been recovering from the Olympics.

Paul will have the crowd advantage, but Sonego’s powerful forehand could be a factor if the court plays fast. However, Paul’s recovery time and Sonego’s potential fatigue from his recent title run may give Paul the edge.

Berrettini Ready for Fritz Rematch Despite Past Struggles

Berrettini Ready for Fritz Rematch Despite Past Struggles

Matteo Berrettini, the former Wimbledon finalist, is set to face Taylor Fritz in the second round of the US Open, despite losing all three of their previous encounters. Berrettini, who has been in impressive form this season, is confident in his abilities and believes he can overcome his past struggles against Fritz.

Berrettini’s confidence stems from his recent performances, which have seen him reach four finals in his last eight tournaments. He has also won 22 of his last 28 matches, including a hard-fought victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the first round of the US Open.

Fritz, on the other hand, is also in good form, having reached the quarterfinals of three of the last four Grand Slams. He is aware of his strong record against Berrettini but acknowledges that the Italian is a formidable opponent.

The match is expected to be a close and hard-fought affair, with both players possessing powerful serves and strong groundstrokes. Fritz is the slight favorite according to betting markets, but Berrettini is determined to prove that he can overcome his past struggles and advance to the third round.

Despite their previous encounters, both players are focused on the present and are confident in their abilities. Berrettini believes that his hard work and dedication will pay off, while Fritz is eager to continue his impressive run at the US Open.

The match between Berrettini and Fritz is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 30th, and is expected to be a highlight of the second round of the US Open.

Casper Ruud Overcomes Illness, Aims for Strong US Open Finish

Casper Ruud Overcomes Illness, Aims for Strong US Open Finish

Casper Ruud, the former world No. 2, has endured a challenging summer marred by illness. After recovering from a stomach parasite at Roland Garros, Ruud revealed that a week-long flu hindered his performances at the Omnium Banque Nationale and the Cincinnati Open.

“In Montréal, I caught a flu and fever, body aches for four or five days,” Ruud said after winning his first round at the 2024 US Open. “Just a bit unlucky. But I’m ready now and hopefully the immune system is healed, stronger than ever, and I can have a good second part of the season now.”

Despite the setbacks, Ruud remains optimistic. He believes that everyone experiences challenges throughout the year and is grateful to be injury-free.

“It’s ok. Worse things can happen in life, so it’s not a problem,” Ruud said. “Luckily, I’m injury-free, but can’t really control if you catch a flu or something like this.”

Ruud’s physicality remained largely unaffected by the flu, allowing him to resume training ahead of the US Open. He is eager to make up for lost time and perform well in the final Grand Slam tournament of the year.

“I’m really motivated because I’ve had a few tournaments where I didn’t have the chance to perform as I wanted, big tournaments as well,” Ruud said.

During his sick days, Ruud indulged in his passion for golf. He has been playing since childhood and enjoys hitting the greens with fellow tennis star Carlos Alcaraz.

“I’ve been swinging golf clubs since I was young,” said Ruud. “I never really practiced as seriously as I did with tennis, but I really enjoyed going to the driving range, and I still do.”

Ruud, the No. 8 seed, will face either Gaël Monfils or Diego Schwartzman in the second round of the US Open. Both opponents are sentimental favorites, adding to the excitement of the match.

Tsitsidosa: Tennis Power Couple Set to Conquer Mixed Doubles at US Open

Tsitsidosa: Tennis Power Couple Set to Conquer Mixed Doubles at US Open

Tsitsidosa: A Tennis Power Couple Set to Conquer Mixed Doubles at the US Open

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas, the dynamic tennis duo known as “Tsitsidosa,” have officially announced their entry into the Grand Slam mixed doubles arena. After triumphing in the inaugural Mixed Madness event, the couple will make their main draw debut at the 2024 US Open.

Badosa, a former world No. 2, expressed her excitement and confidence in their partnership. “I’m the responsible one on the mixed doubles team,” she joked. “I carry us!”

Their journey to the US Open has been marked by both setbacks and triumphs. Last summer, they were scheduled to play mixed doubles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but Badosa’s back injury forced her to withdraw. Now fully recovered, they have proven their dominance as a tennis power couple.

In the Mixed Madness event, Tsitsidosa defeated American teams Coco Gauff-Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz-Amanda Anisimova, claiming a whopping $250,000 prize. Badosa’s highlight of the night was returning Shelton’s blistering serve, which often reaches speeds of 150 miles per hour.

“Every time I see him, I’m like, ‘I returned your serves!'” Badosa exclaimed. “It was so easy to return his serve, so I love it.”

Badosa attributes their success to their shared strength and off-court chemistry. “I think it helps that I’m a strong player who can handle the man,” she explained. “That may be the most important part of the mixed, the fact that I can return the man’s serve.”

“Of course, he’s an amazing tennis player, so that helps so much,” she added of Tsitsipas. “He has an amazing serve and an amazing volley. He makes my life very easy there, you know? I’m like, ‘Ok, you just ace it, and I’m just there!'”

Despite their individual talents, Badosa emphasizes the importance of teamwork and support. “Even though we’re both good players, we can come together and not play good doubles. That could happen, you know? But in our case, we know how to handle the moments, and even when the two of us might be struggling a bit, we help and support each other very well. I think we enjoy it and that’s really important.”

As the mixed doubles event at the US Open approaches, the question remains: can Tsitsidosa capture their first major title together? With their proven chemistry and determination, they are poised to make a significant impact on the Grand Slam stage.

Daria Kasatkina's Viral Dance Celebration Steals the Show at US Open

Daria Kasatkina’s Viral Dance Celebration Steals the Show at US Open

Daria Kasatkina’s unique post-match celebration at the 2024 US Open has become an instant viral sensation. After defeating Jaqueline Cristian in the first round, the Russian star performed an impromptu dance on Court 7, much to the amusement of fans and commentators alike.

Kasatkina’s dance, which she described as “a crafted dance, part of an inside joke,” was inspired by a song she created with her girlfriend, Natalia Zabiiako, and friend, Arina Rodionova. The celebration quickly gained traction on social media, with the US Open’s Instagram page posting a video that has already garnered over 200,000 views.

“I was hoping that no one was going to notice,” Kasatkina said in her post-match press conference. “But they noticed. And I think it’s already got 200K views on US Open’s Instagram page!”

Kasatkina’s dance has drawn comparisons to other iconic on-court celebrations, such as Andrea Petkovic’s “Petko Dance” and Victoria Azarenka’s dabbing. However, the Russian star insists that her moves are simply a reflection of her playful personality.

“It’s the next level of bullshit,” she said with a laugh. “It has nothing to do with choreography or anything. It’s just whatever, a joke. It actually goes together with a crafted song I created. I’m not going to sing it now, definitely.”

Despite her initial reluctance, Kasatkina hinted that she may be willing to perform her dance again if she wins her next match. “Maybe if I’m going to win the next match, it’ll become a part of the celebration,” she said.

Kasatkina’s unique celebration has not only entertained fans but has also showcased her close bond with Zabiiako and Rodionova. The trio’s shared sense of humor and camaraderie has made them one of the most popular groups on the WTA Tour.

CoCo Vandeweghe: From Tennis Star to Broadcasting Ace

CoCo Vandeweghe: From Tennis Star to Broadcasting Ace

CoCo Vandeweghe, a former top-10 tennis player, has embarked on a new chapter in her career as a broadcaster. Having retired from the sport last fall, she now brings her insights and expertise to the US Open as a commentator for Tennis Channel and the BBC.

Vandeweghe’s journey in tennis began with a bang when she won the 2008 US Open junior title. A decade later, she triumphed in the doubles event at the same tournament, partnering with Ash Barty. Her most memorable US Open moment, however, came in 2015 when she became the first player to conduct an on-court interview after winning the first set of a match.

Vandeweghe’s transition to broadcasting was seamless, thanks to her deep understanding of the game and her natural ability to communicate. She credits her family’s involvement in sports for her comfort with mid-game interviews. Her mother was an Olympic swimmer, her uncle a two-time NBA All-Star, and her grandfather a former NBA player.

Despite her success in singles, Vandeweghe cherishes her team experiences the most. She played a pivotal role in the United States’ Fed Cup victory in 2017 and helped the New York Empire win the World Team Tennis finals in 2020.

While she misses the thrill of competition, Vandeweghe is content with her decision to retire. She has enjoyed the freedom to pursue other interests, such as reading and spending time with loved ones. She remains grateful for the opportunities tennis has given her and is excited about her future in broadcasting.

Djokovic and Gauff Begin US Open Title Defenses

Djokovic and Gauff Begin US Open Title Defenses

Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champions, will begin their title defenses on Monday, with Djokovic aiming to add to his record-breaking Grand Slam tally and Gauff seeking to regain her winning form.

Djokovic, seeded second behind world number one Jannik Sinner, is determined to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer’s five-year reign from 2004-2008. Despite an injury-plagued year, the 37-year-old Serbian remains motivated by the “pillars of our sport” and is eager to perform under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Gauff, who has struggled for consistency since her maiden Grand Slam victory last year, will face Varvara Gracheva of France in the afternoon session. The American teenager is hoping to rediscover her winning ways and challenge for another major title.

Other notable matches on Monday include:

* Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, faces Ben Shelton, who is aiming to build on his impressive semi-final run last year.
* Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, two of the top American men, will also be in action, hoping to end the US Open title drought for their country.
* Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, takes on Priscilla Hon, while Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova faces Marina Bassols Ribera.

In early action, Donna Vekic of Croatia advanced to the second round, while Maria Sakkari of Greece retired with an apparent shoulder injury.

Zheng Qinwen Survives Anisimova Scare at US Open

Zheng Qinwen Survives Anisimova Scare at US Open

Zheng Qinwen, the reigning Olympic champion, narrowly escaped an upset at the 2024 US Open, overcoming a spirited challenge from Amanda Anisimova in a three-set thriller.

Anisimova, a former Roland Garros semifinalist, started the match on fire, racing to a 5-1 lead in the first set. However, Zheng, who stunned Iga Swiatek at the Olympics, fought back to break Anisimova twice and save three set points. Anisimova eventually clinched the set with a forehand winner.

In the second set, Zheng gained momentum, forcing Anisimova into errors. Despite a marathon seventh game, Anisimova held on and threatened to break in the following game. However, Zheng saved two set points and leveled the match with a strong first serve.

After a medical timeout for Anisimova, Zheng seized control in the final set, breaking Anisimova twice to open up a double-break lead. Anisimova reclaimed one break but Zheng’s slice backhand gave her a second break. Zheng served out the match with an ace, advancing to the second round in two hours and 20 minutes.

Zheng’s victory highlights her versatility on different surfaces, having reached the Australian Open final earlier this year. Anisimova, despite her impressive form in recent months, was unable to maintain her early dominance.

In the next round, Zheng will face Erika Andreeva, who defeated Yuan Yue in a second-set tiebreaker.

Wilson Unveils Stylish US Open Capsule Collection with New York Sunshine

Wilson Unveils Stylish US Open Capsule Collection with New York Sunshine

Wilson, the official ball of the US Open, has unveiled a stylish capsule collection in collaboration with art collective New York Sunshine. This limited-edition line brings a touch of “New York sunshine” to the tennis courts at Flushing Meadows, while paying homage to the tournament’s unsung heroes.

Wilson has been making waves in the on-court style department, but this collaboration takes their fashion game to a new level. The collection features hoodies, crew neck sweaters, tees, and a cap, all adorned with a twist on the iconic “Extra Duty” description of the tennis ball.

Wilson’s Extra Duty ball has been the official ball of the US Open since 1978. This collaboration celebrates that long-standing connection while honoring the maintenance crews who keep the courts in pristine condition. The collection’s tagline reads: “For the names not on the scoreboard—the ones whose labor breathes life into the court, and the ones who hold their work to the highest standard. Without them, the biggest stage in tennis is just a park in Queens.”

One of the highlights of the collection is a limited-edition colorway of the classic white Pro Staff 87 sneakers. This model was revived by Wilson this year with modern updates. The shoe features tennis ball felt details and the words “Extra Duty” along the back heel, making it the perfect tennis shoe for the summer.

The Wilson x New York Sunshine collaboration is selling out fast, but it’s still available online at wilson.com, Wilson Live, and newyorksunshine.com, as well as in-stores at Wilson’s Columbus Circle location.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart