American tennis sensation Coco Gauff is trading baseline rallies for camera spotlights—at least temporarily. The 20-year-old has teamed up with Japanese MLB phenom Shohei Ohtani and WNBA standout Cameron Brink for a high-octane commercial by a global sports apparel titan. The collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for Gauff, who’s battling to reignite her 2025 season. After clinching the United Cup in January, her momentum stalled with early exits at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, and Dubai Tennis Championship.
With the Indian Wells Open looming, Gauff and her fans are banking on a turnaround. But before stepping back onto the court, she’s stealing the spotlight in a star-studded ad campaign. What’s the buzz behind this glamorous detour?
Coco Gauff channels Grand Slam energy off-court
The campaign in question is New Balance’s 2025 flagship project, We Got Now—a celebration of next-gen athletes reshaping sports. Launched via social media on Friday, the ad opens with Shohei Ohtani wielding a baseball bat, his intensity setting the tone. Coco Gauff follows, radiating the ferocity of a Grand Slam champion as she dominates a mock match, her signature determination mirrored in every frame.
Reigning Olympic champion Gabby Thomas, WNBA’s Cameron Brink, soccer stars Bukayo Saka and Endrick, and NBA icons Tyrese Maxey and Kawhi Leonard round out the roster, each embodying the brand’s ethos of innovation and legacy.
For Gauff, the commercial is more than a glam gig—it’s a testament to her cultural clout. New Balance strategically positions her as a face of the future, pairing her with Ohtani, a two-way MLB marvel, and Brink, the projected top WNBA draft pick. The campaign’s tagline, We Got Now, underscores a generational shift, spotlighting athletes who blend raw talent with unapologetic ambition.
While Coco Gauff’s tennis form has wavered this year, her star power hasn’t dimmed. The ad captures her trademark grit, a quality fans hope will translate back to the court at Indian Wells.
Off-screen, Gauff’s focus remains laser-sharp. “Every match is a chance to reset,” she’s often said, a mindset she’ll need to channel in California. Meanwhile, New Balance’s campaign amplifies her role as a trailblazer—both in sport and style. With Shohei Ohtani’s global appeal and Brink’s rising profile, the ad isn’t just selling sneakers; it’s selling a movement. As Coco Gauff gears up for her next tournament, one thing’s clear: whether on clay or in commercials, she’s playing to win.