Everything Coco Gauff Eats (and Doesn’t Eat) When Prepping for the U.S. Open

Fresh off the heels of her 2026 Cincinnati Open win, Coco Gauff has her sights set on one thing: Arthur Ashe Stadium. As the fourth and final tournament in the Grand Slam tennis season, the U.S. Open—held in Queens, New York—holds a special place in Gauff’s heart (and trophy case). It’s where she won her first Grand Slam Singles Champion title back in 2023, which set her on a path of fame, notoriety and great expectations.

In addition to pro athlete, Olympian and homecourt favorite, Gauff recently added another title to her ever-growing resume: Chief Smoothie Officer for Naked Smoothies. So ahead of her U.S. Open run, I caught up with Gauff to chat about one of her favorite topics outside of tennis: food. Here, her secret to fueling mid-match, her favorite celebratory meal and why she’s yet to have the beloved Honey Deuce cocktail.

Welcome back to New York, Coco Gauff! Tennis is the main event this month, but we're dying to know: What's your favorite restaurant in NYC?

Coco Gauff: My favorite restaurant in NYC has got to be The Corner Store. I love it because it’s like elevated junk food!

If you could only eat one dinner for the rest of your life, what would it be?

CG: A burger, any drink, fries and a brownie. There’s honestly nothing better.

What's one food you can't stand?

CG: I can’t stand raw tomatoes. I don’t know why, I think it’s a texture thing, because I love tomato sauce, but I don’t like raw tomatoes.

Which food would you make healthy if you could?

CG: Hands down, cheesecake. My favorite flavor is probably blueberry cheesecake. I secretly think the blueberries make the cheesecake feel healthier.

What's your go-to celebratory meal after a big win?

CG: I've got to stick by a burger, fries and a brownie. It always hits!

Protein-maxxing or fiber-maxxing?

CG: Honestly, neither! I’m not really a big ‘maxxer.’ For me, it’s more about balance and making sure I’m getting protein, fiber and carbs with every meal. I need all of those things to keep my energy up and help with recovery, especially when I’m training and competing.

Any surprising ways you like to refuel during or after a match?

CG: I think everyone who knows me knows my go-to way to fuel during a match is with a homemade fruit salad. It gives me the natural energy I need to refuel.

Breakfast or dinner?

CG: I have to go with dinner for this one. I’m not a huge breakfast person, especially before an early match.

If you were a smoothie, what would you be?

CG: My signature smoothie that I created with Naked Smoothies is called Coco Gauff's Protein Pineapple Orange smoothie. It features some of my favorite ingredients, including pineapple and orange fruit juices, so it’s super refreshing. It also includes coconut water, so there are natural electrolytes, which is great for staying hydrated. And I love that there’s 20 grams of plant-based protein to help support muscle recovery and energy, which is good for everyone—not just athletes.

Another staple for me is Naked Smoothie’s Green Machine. It’s the flavor I grew up drinking. I love the tropical flavors of mango and kiwi, that it’s a good source of fiber, and that it has vitamin C and Vitamin E, which is great for immune support.

And finally, the U.S. Open's signature Honey Deuce cocktail: Overrated or worth the hype?

CG: I’ve actually never tried the Honey Deuce cocktail! I said I wouldn’t try it unless I won the U.S. Open again. When I won it I was 19 and underage, so next time, the first time I try it will be when I’m over 21 and when I win. Hopefully that’s this year—if not, it could be years from now.