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Coco Gauff may be used to crushing forehands on the tennis court, but over the weekend, she traded her racket for a ball cap—and nearly stole the show at Great American Ball Park. The 20-year-old U.S. Open champion turned heads during the Cincinnati Reds–Philadelphia Phillies matchup, sparking playful chants from fans: “Put her in the lineup!”
Arriving in a casual yet effortlessly cool game-day look, Gauff mingled with players, posed for selfies, and even stepped onto the field for a ceremonial first pitch that had the crowd buzzing. The pitch? Not quite a 100-mph fastball, but solid enough to draw cheers and a few jokes from Reds players about signing her on as a utility player.
For Cincinnati sports fans, the visit was a crossover moment between two worlds: a local baseball fixture and one of the brightest young stars in tennis. Gauff, who’s been training hard ahead of the summer hard-court swing, said she relished the chance to relax and soak up the atmosphere. “It’s nice to be a fan for a change,” she admitted with a grin. “Baseball is a whole different energy.”
Social media lit up with clips of her laughing in the dugout, chatting with Phillies slugger Bryce Harper, and waving to the stands like she was center court at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fans praised her down-to-earth charm, while some jokingly suggested she could serve as the Reds’ secret weapon given her speed and hand-eye coordination.
The visit also underscored Gauff’s growing cultural footprint beyond tennis. From red carpets to charity events, she’s become a symbol of confidence, versatility, and youth appeal—a rare athlete who can unite fans from multiple sports. And while she’s not about to swap the WTA Tour for Major League Baseball anytime soon, her GABP cameo proved she has the charisma to light up any arena.
As the game rolled on, one thing became clear: whether it’s a Grand Slam or a day at the ballpark, Coco Gauff knows how to be the main event. And if the Reds ever need a pinch runner? Well, the fans have already made their choice loud and clear.
Musa
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