Coco Gauff Shines On Court And Champions Change In Melbourne

Melbourne is always buzzing during the Australian Open, but this year, the energy has been off the charts—thanks in no small part to Coco Gauff. The 21-year-old American tennis star is making waves both on and off the court, captivating fans with her dynamic play, bold style, and inspiring commitment to social causes. If you thought the Australian Open was just about the tennis, think again—Gauff’s presence has turned the tournament into a showcase of athleticism, philanthropy, and cultural impact.

The journey began for many, including attendees on a New Balance media trip, with a whirlwind arrival in Melbourne. After a marathon 30-hour journey from New York City, the city’s AO 2026-themed festivities greeted visitors with a warm breeze and palpable excitement. The first stop? Welcome drinks at the New Balance pop-up store at Melbourne Park—a two-story oasis overlooking the throngs of tennis fans. There, New Balance ambassadors Aminé and Storm Reid mingled with guests, setting the tone for a star-studded week ahead.

The action didn’t stop at the pop-up. That evening, Aminé delivered a high-energy concert at Melbourne Park, drawing crowds and celebrities alike. But the real surprise came later at his headline show at Forum Melbourne, where Coco Gauff made an unannounced appearance. Spotted in the VIP section, Gauff was the picture of relaxed confidence, blending in with fellow concertgoers as she enjoyed the music. Backstage, she was joined by German tennis player Eva Lys, and the scene quickly turned surreal for those lucky enough to share the room. “Imposter Syndrome takes on a whole new meaning when you find yourself in a room with Aminé, his boys, Coco Gauff, and fellow pro tennis player, Eva Lys,” one attendee recalled. Gauff’s easygoing demeanor and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression, even as she prepared to compete in one of tennis’s biggest tournaments.

Gauff’s impact extended well beyond social gatherings. On January 23, she hosted her much-anticipated kit launch Q&A—a lively event complete with a DJ, a manicure station, pastries, and her signature Coco smoothie. The main attraction was the debut of her new custom on-court kit, featuring a marigold and periwinkle palette inspired by the Australian landscape. For the first time, fans could purchase the kit, a testament to Gauff’s growing influence in the world of sports fashion. “The athlete wanted ‘something that felt powerful yet feminine,’” organizers shared, echoing Gauff’s own desire to express her personality both on and off the court.

During the Q&A, Gauff was asked about her aspirations beyond tennis—a topic she’s addressed with remarkable maturity. “Being a female athlete, people try to put you in a box,” she explained. “I like to showcase my personality off the court, and I wanna leave an impact. I’d rather be known as more of an impactful person than a great tennis player, but hopefully, I can do both.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially as Gauff continues to use her platform for positive change.

Her commitment to making a difference was underscored by the announcement of a $150,000 donation to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), revealed just before her second-round match. This marks Gauff’s second major gift to the organization, following a $100,000 contribution in 2025 to launch the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program. With a total of $250,000 committed, Gauff’s philanthropy is providing scholarships to 10 college tennis players at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—a cause close to her heart. Her family’s deep ties to HBCUs, spanning generations, have shaped her understanding of the challenges these institutions face, particularly when it comes to funding athletic programs. “By directing her resources toward these specific student-athletes, Gauff aims to uplift marginalized communities and provide a platform for players who look like her,” noted Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president of the UNCF, who praised her leadership and vision.

Gauff herself expressed hope that the scholarship program would instill confidence in young Black players, giving them the support they need to pursue their dreams—on the court and in the classroom. “I try my best to do that,” she said, reflecting on her efforts to donate and speak out for marginalized communities. Her actions are already making a tangible difference, inspiring student-athletes to strive for excellence in every arena.

Of course, Gauff’s prowess on the tennis court remains undeniable. On January 23, she delivered a masterclass in her first-round match, defeating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3. Observers likened her performance to watching a masterpiece unfold—each backhand a stroke of genius. She then advanced to the third round after a decisive victory over Olga Danilovic, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with fellow American Hailey Baptiste. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Gauff can maintain her momentum as the competition intensifies.

Yet, even as she chases Grand Slam glory, Gauff isn’t shying away from the big conversations. At a press conference ahead of her third-round match, she was asked about the current political climate in the United States, specifically President Donald Trump’s administration. Gauff answered with candor and grace: “I hope forward that we can have a lot more peace in our country and more kindness in the way we speak to each other about different topics and things like that.” She acknowledged her past criticisms of Trump but expressed fatigue with the divisiveness of political discourse, especially as a Black woman. “It is hard also being a Black woman in this country and having to experience things, even online, and seeing marginalized communities being affected. And knowing that I can only donate and speak out. I try my best to do that.”

Gauff concluded her remarks with a hopeful message for the future, referencing a video of Martin Luther King Jr. she recently posted: “We must keep moving forward, even as things may not be as calm as I’d like it to be right now.” Her words, much like her game, are a rallying cry for progress and unity—on and off the court.

As the Australian Open continues, all eyes remain on Coco Gauff. Whether she’s dazzling fans with her athletic brilliance, launching charitable initiatives, or speaking out on important issues, Gauff is proving she’s more than just a tennis player—she’s a force for good in the world of sports and beyond. With her next match against Hailey Baptiste on the horizon, the tournament—and the tennis world—waits with bated breath to see what she’ll do next.