Behind the Scenes at US Open: The Unsung People Who Create Moments for Coco Gauff

The roar from Arthur Ashe Stadium drifts over to Practice Court No. 1, where Coco Gauff is finishing her final strokes before a match. But it is not the noise from the main stadium that defines the atmosphere – it is the voice of Ayanna Campbell, a US Open guest services representative. Standing at the edge of the court, Campbell leads a group of fans in a chant: 'Let's go, Coco!' and the crowd responds: 'Let's go!' She does this for three straight hours, like an unofficial hype woman, turning a practice session into a small performance. Campbell is not a coach or a sports expert. Her day job is driving a bus for special-needs children in Brooklyn. But since 2026, when she began following Gauff after the teenager's first US Open title, she has become an integral part of Gauff's Flushing Meadows experience. Every time Gauff steps onto the practice court, Campbell is there, with energetic cheers. In return, Gauff often makes a heart gesture with her hands, or leaves warm Instagram comments: 'She is the best! Love her.' The story does not end with Campbell. Across the grounds, Sharif Cobb, the men's locker room attendant, has built his own tradition with Gauff. Every time they meet, Cobb offers a riddle – usually about history or pop culture. If Gauff answers correctly, she gets applause; if wrong, Cobb just smiles and promises to come back with a harder one. This tradition started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Cobb worked in eerily quiet halls. He wanted to bring some joy to players, and Gauff quickly became his most enthusiastic participant. In her third-round match this year, after defeating Cristina Busca, Gauff took time to thank Cobb on live television: 'Thank you for all the riddles. They always make me smile.' It was a rare moment when a top player acknowledged the behind-the-scenes staff that few know. These interactions, seemingly simple, carry deeper meaning. They show that Gauff is not just a tennis star, but a human being who appreciates the people who make the tournament happen. In a way, the support from Campbell and Cobb becomes part of her emotional support system – something statistics cannot measure. A familiar cheer, a playful riddle – all help relieve the pressure of a Grand Slam. However, not everyone views it positively. Some commentators argue that such interactions could distract a player's focus. They ask: Does spending time with fans and staff during a tournament affect performance? But looking at what Gauff has shown – she is still winning, still enjoying – perhaps the answer lies in balance. She does not let off-court moments overshadow her main goal. This year's US Open is witnessing a more mature Coco Gauff, not just technically but in how she connects with the community. People like Campbell and Cobb prove that tennis is not just about shots and scores; it is about human stories. While the media focuses on rankings and sponsorship deals, it is the small details – a hug, a riddle, a chant – that truly create memories. So, are we underestimating the power of unsung heroes? At a mega-event like the US Open, where millions of dollars and fame are on the line, the warmth from ordinary people might be the strongest mental weapon. And Coco Gauff, in her own way, is showing that she understands that better than anyone.