Published On: Sun, Mar 22nd, 2026

Coco Gauff’s subtle New Balance kit change has fans talking at Miami Open

American tennis star Coco Gauff is the face of New Balance. The 22 year old put New Balance on the map with her rising stardom as a teen tennis sensation to a two-time Grand Slam champion.

Gauff has a lot of input with New Balance about what she wears. The colors, styles, shoes, and headwear are approved by the fashion-minded Gauff.

That’s why fans were quick to notice a subtle change to Coco Gauff’s standard New Balance kit for the 2026 Miami Open.

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Coco Gauff is wearing a hat

Known for wearing headbands over the years, Gauff is debuting a baseball cap for this year’s Miami Open. No one knows what prompted the change. It could be the rain, humidity, and heat that the tournament has been plagued with in its first week.

Gauff is 2-0 wearing the hat so it is a lucky charm so far. It has not been an easy road. Gauff dropped the first set in both of her matches but rallied to win the next two sets against Elissabetta Cocciaretto and Alycia Parks.

Coco Gauff reacts to a game lost during her first set against Alexandra Eala in their third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Fans like the baseball cap on Gauff, saying that she looks cute either way. Others think the cap could fit better and wonder if it is strategic in helping her see the ball better.

Of course, there are also the traditionalists who prefer Coco Gauff in the signature headband.

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She will probably stick with the hat for now

Given the hat’s winning mojo and the fact that Gauff is playing through an arm injury that forced her to retire in her Indian Wells match against Alex Eala, it is safe to assume it will be sticking around for a while.

Coco Gauff is into the Round of 16 at her home tournament and will play Romanian Sorana Cirstea on Monday. With her box filled with friends and family who do not often get to see her play live often including her grandparents and brother Codey, fans hope her Miami Open run extends through the finals.

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