Coco Gauff of United States returns a shot from Kamilla Rakhimova in the women’s singles match of the China Open tennis tournament held in Beijing, China, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Coco Gauff of the United States waves after defeating Kamilla Rakhimova in a women’s singles match during the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, China, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Coco Gauff, aka ‘The Fruit Salad Queen,’ wants a new nickname from her China Open fans
BEIJING (AP) 鈥 Defending champion Coco Gauff is loving her interaction with fans at the China Open but wouldn’t mind a new nickname 鈥 something ferocious if possible.
Coco Gauff of United States returns a shot from Kamilla Rakhimova in the women’s singles match of the China Open tennis tournament held in Beijing, China, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
BEIJING (AP) 鈥 Defending champion Coco Gauff is loving her interaction with fans at the China Open but wouldn’t mind a new nickname 鈥 something ferocious if possible.
Gauff started her title defense in Beijing with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday and will next face Leylah Fernandez in the WTA 1000-series tournament.
Gauff has received a number of gifts this week and has been affectionally given two nicknames by the Chinese fans: 鈥淔ruit Salad Queen,鈥 a reference to her signature fruit salad, which she often snacks on for an energy boost.
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The other is 鈥淎mbassador of Beijing鈥 because of her frequent praise of the Chinese capital and its attractions.
The 21-year-old American said she approves of both, but wouldn’t mind one inspired by an animal which reflects her tenacity on court.
鈥淚 guess I have a challenge for the Chinese fans,鈥 Gauff said in comments on the WTA Tour’s website. 鈥淚 would like to know what animal resonates with me. I mean, fruit salad is cool, but I think being named after an animal is cooler. I would like to see what animal they think I am.鈥
And she’s loving those gifts.
鈥淭he Chinese fans are great,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 have literally so many gifts, more gifts than I鈥檝e gotten on Christmas in my entire life. I purposely packed light because last year I packed full and it was a struggle to get everything back. I do keep all of them. A lot of the stuffed animals are a decoration in my house.
鈥淵eah, I think they鈥檙e the best, most creative fans. I love coming here. I came prepared and brought an extra bag.鈥
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