American tennis star Coco Gauff is officially launching her first-ever signature fruit smoothie at the 2025 US Open, marking an exciting new chapter beyond the tennis court. Known for her athletic accomplishments and cultural influence, Gauff’s new product,
“Coco Gauff’s Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie,”
combines her passion for fitness with the viral charm of a homemade fruit salad she shared courtside during her 2023 US Open run. This launch highlights the exciting intersection of sports and lifestyle brands and offers fans a taste experience connected directly to Gauff’s personal preferences.
Developed in collaboration with Naked Smoothies, the drink is packed with 20 grams of plant-based protein and enriched with real pineapple and orange juices. It also features electrolytes from coconut water and essential vitamins B6 and B12, blending taste with nutrition aimed at active consumers. The smoothie’s release coincides with the U.S. Open Fan Week, where Naked will present Coco’s Corner, an immersive, bodega-inspired pop-up store in New York City celebrating the launch before the product rolls out nationwide this fall.
Behind the Smoothie: Coco’s Personal Connection and Flavor Choices
Gauff shared her excitement about entering the world of signature beverages and expressed how the smoothie is genuinely reflective of her personality and lifestyle.
“Yeah, it’s very exciting. I don’t know how many athletes have done it, but it’s super cool to step into this and do something new and unique,”
she said, referencing the viral fruit salad video that inspired the creation. The collaboration aimed to be authentic and natural to Gauff’s tastes and habits.
When asked about the appeal of the Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie to both athletes and fans, Gauff responded positively, emphasizing the many rounds of taste testing she underwent to ensure the flavor was spot on.
“Oh, yeah, for sure. I love it (laughs) and I hope other people will like it,”
she noted. The pre-week pop-up at the US Open will give fans the opportunity to try the limited-edition flavor first-hand.
The choice of pineapple as a key ingredient was clear from the beginning. Gauff explained the thought process behind the flavor selection, including blind taste tests to avoid bias.
“It was always for me going to have pineapple in it. Honestly, I was blind testing a lot of stuff, so I really don’t know what other fruits were in the other ones that I tried because they wanted to make sure I wasn’t biased in any way.”
Strawberry and banana were considered but ultimately set aside since Naked already offers a similar option. The pineapple-orange combination stood out most during testing.
“I didn’t even know it was pineapple orange, honestly, when I tasted it. And it consistently was being the one that I liked the most. So then I found out it was pineapple orange.”
Gauff’s fondness for pineapple clearly shaped the final choice.
Preparing for the US Open: Gauff’s Reflections and Goals
Beyond the smoothie launch, Coco Gauff provided insight into her mindset as she enters the 2025 US Open. She expressed enthusiasm for competing at her favorite tournament in New York and acknowledged the significance of playing as a reigning Grand Slam champion for the first time at the event.
“I’m excited to play in New York City. First time coming into it as like a reigning Grand Slam champion, I guess. Hopefully, I get scheduled on Arthur Ashe,”
she said.
The pressure of defending the US Open title after her breakthrough victory remained on her mind, but Gauff maintained a balanced attitude about expectations. She compared her mindset with fellow tennis star Iga Swiatek’s recent comments on pressure relief after winning Wimbledon, indicating that winning a Grand Slam changes but does not erase competitive hunger.
“I still feel like whatever happens for the rest of the season, like I won a Grand Slam. It’s still going to be a great season, regardless.”
However, she clarified her strong desire to repeat the feat at home, describing the emotional and family connection she experienced during her previous win.
Fashion on and off the Court: Inspirations Behind Gauff’s Style
Outside of her athletic achievements, Coco Gauff has become recognized for her versatile and confident fashion sense, especially through her partnership with New Balance. She described her favorite kit from the season as the Australian Open outfit, noting its sporty yet body-conscious design that made her feel confident.
“From this year, outside of the Miu Miu collabs, I would have to say Australian Open. I just felt so confident in that kit and it was giving body, it was giving sporty.”
Gauff also revealed a strong influence from tennis legends like the Williams sisters, especially Serena, while emphasizing the importance of integrating her off-court style into her on-court looks. She talked about incorporating practical yet stylish elements, such as cargo pockets on a skirt inspired by her love for cargo pants worn off the court, and her interest in experimenting with walk-on outfits like her leather jacket worn in Paris. These design choices reflect her desire to blend comfort with personal expression during events.
Reaching New Audiences and Sharing Sports Perspectives
With many American viewers tuning in to the US Open for the first time, Gauff encouraged audiences to follow the full tennis season beyond the Grand Slams. Highlighting the WTA Finals as a notable event featuring the top eight players, she urged fans seeking the highest level of competition to pay attention.
“Even though it is the last Slam of the season, we still have the WTA finals, which is, I would say, the most prestigious tournament after the four Slams.”
On a lighter note, Gauff shared candid opinions on sports she enjoys watching off the tennis court. She challenged common perceptions about baseball, suggesting that the live atmosphere can provide a far more thrilling experience than televised games, sharing her personal journey from finding baseball boring on TV to being amazed at the World Baseball Classic Championship between the USA and Japan. She also revealed a spirited sports debate with her dad about basketball legends, declaring LeBron James her GOAT despite her respect for Michael Jordan.
“LeBron is my GOAT. I love Michael Jordan, too, but I just didn’t grow up with him. So LeBron’s my GOAT and, you know, I’m sorry to all the older sports fans.”
Coco Gauff’s Ongoing Influence in Tennis and Lifestyle
Alongside launching her signature smoothie, Gauff continues to make waves with New Balance, unveiling US Open footwear collections and showcasing bespoke kits that make lasting impressions on the global tennis stage. Her fashion statements at major tournaments such as Wimbledon and the French Open reinforce her status as a cultural icon who fluently combines athletic excellence with style and activism.
The upcoming smoothie launch and fan events during the US Open represent another way for Coco Gauff to connect with her audience beyond tennis, embodying her brand as a powerful, authentic, and inspiring figure. As she competes for further Grand Slam titles and grows her presence in multiple arenas, Gauff’s trajectory promises continued impact in sports and lifestyle.