The Day 1 crowds at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center witnessed Coco Gauff's latest rite of passage in tennis: making a fabulous fashion statement on the US Open courts.
The 17-year-old took the court for her first match of the 2021 US Open in flowy hot-pink shorts over graphic-print black-and-white biker shorts and a matching tank. If you look closely, the outfit’s squiggly pattern is actually the word “Coco” in graffiti-style lettering.
New Balance, her sponsor, honored its star player with a collection named after her this year. The Coco Gauff Collection takes its cues from 1990s streetwear--never mind that she wasn’t even born until 2004. Note the utility-type belt integrated into the waistband to add some edge to the soft shorts.
The flashy and fun kit continues New Balance’s dynamic, creative designs for Gauff, currently ranked No. 23 and one of the sport’s brightest young prospects.
Two years ago for the US Open, her dress pattern was an aerial shot of tennis courts. But it was subtle—this year, the electric color and eponymous print won’t be overlooked. It’s a statement that’s all about confidence and sophistication. Those bright-pink braids in her hair, though? Youth in full effect.
