Coco Gauff calls US Open staffer her ‘queen’ after viral crowd moment

Coco Gauff has praised a US Open staff member after her energetic welcome chant for the American tennis star went viral on social media.

When Gauff walked on to the practice courts at the 2026 US Open last week, Ayanna Campbell, a 24-year-old guest services representative, led the crowd in a chant.

“When I say Coco, you say Gauff! Coco! Gauff!” Campbell shouted while dancing in front of the stands.

A video of the moment posted by Tennis Channel on Instagram quickly attracted more than two million views. Gauff also reacted to the video, calling Campbell “my queen” and adding: “love her♥️.”

Campbell said she had no idea she was being recorded and was surprised when she discovered that the video had gone viral.

“I was like, ‘I’m so famous,’” Campbell said with a laugh. “I read the comments, everybody’s like somebody’s gotta tell Mama Gauff to put her in the family box at every tournament. I was so stunned.”

Gauff’s mother also appeared to enjoy Campbell’s performance, smiling as she recorded one of the chants from the stands.

Campbell said Gauff has become one of her favourite players because of what she represents.

“Coco has grown to become one of my favourite players. For me, representation matters, and she is one of the players that I love that be representing and putting on for the Black girls,” she said.

However, Gauff is not the only tennis star to receive Campbell’s special welcome.

From her position at the practice courts, Campbell has also led chants for stars including Carlos Alcaraz, Serena Williams and Venus Williams.

“Venus was vibing with it, Serena was vibing with it. I was like okay, I’m a little bit in there,” she said with a smile.

This is Campbell’s fourth year working at the US Open. The Queens native was born and raised only a few miles from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

She said the tournament and New York City hold a special place in her heart.

“I always tell folks, New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world,” Campbell said. “It really touches my heart.”