In Pictures: Coco Gauff's sneaker launch party crashed by Jaden Smith; rapper surprises American with a stage performance
American rapper Jaden Smith made an unexpected entrance at Coco Gauff's sneaker launch party, leaving the tennis star in awe. The reigning US Open champion received this memorable surprise during the launch of her newest signature shoe with New Balance, the Coco CG2.
The American tennis star is in pursuit of her second US Open title, having clinched her first last year by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 2–6, 6–3, 6–2 in the final.
Gauff was celebrating with her shoe sponsor New Balance at the launch of Coco’s Court in New York City. While she was reveling in the party, Smith's unexpected arrival added a buzz to the celebrations.
Sharing the pictures, Gauff wrote,
"Thank you to everyone who came out to support the launch of my second signature shoe with @newbalance #CG2🩵 !! and big shoutout to @c.syresmith for the surprise performance and for coming out to support 🔥🙏🏾."
The New Balance ambassador performed his song "Icon," which the tennis player frequently listens to in order to get herself hyped up. She shared a few pictures giving fans a glimpse of the party. While she was seen sporting a classic New Balance tracksuit and a white t-shirt, Smith wore black Parachute shorts. The 20-year-old was seen posing for pictures along with the rapper.
Gauff made a further public statement after the event:
I was definitely not expecting to be surprised by Jaden last night! I’m always listening to ‘Icon’ to get myself hyped up before I play, so it was amazing to see him perform it live," she said (via wwd.com).
Coco's Court is set to open to fans at 29 W 23rd St. on 23 and 24 August 2024.
"Having a signature shoe in the sport of tennis is a dream come true" - Coco Gauff takes pride in achieving the milestone
Coco Gauff competed at the 2023 US Open donning CG1 and cliched her debut Grand Slam. She secured her first Major title after turning pro in May 2018 and signing with New Balance at 14.
In an interview with Andspace, the 20-year-old highlighted the significance of CG1, acknowledging its role in her first major win. She also stated that having her signature shoe is a significant milestone in her career.
“I won my first major in the CG1 so that shoe will always be special to me,” she said. “Having a signature shoe in the sport of tennis is a dream come true, and getting to build off the first model for the CG2 is another milestone I’m proud of.”
The defending champion will lock horns with Frenchwoman Varvara Gracheva in her opening contest at the 2024 US Open.