“It’s my boyfriend’s favorite animal” – Coco Gauff reveals new nickname given to her by fans at China Open she finds fascinating
Coco Gauff’s “Fruit Salad Queen” Crown: A Sweet, Bizarre Nickname from China Open Fans
Fresh off defending her China Open title with a dramatic 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 comeback win over Leylah Fernandez on September 28, 2025—her second straight WTA 1000 triumph in Beijing—Coco Gauff has embraced a quirky fan-given moniker that’s taken social media by storm: “The Fruit Salad Queen.” The 21-year-old American, who saved two match points en route to her 10th career singles title and 150th hard-court win (youngest since Caroline Wozniacki), shared the story in her post-final press conference, revealing the nickname’s origins in Beijing’s passionate crowd and adding a personal twist that had reporters chuckling. “It’s fascinating,” Gauff said with a grin, tying it to her boyfriend Jorden Harvey’s love for the animal kingdom—though she confessed the fruity flair caught her off guard.
The Nickname’s Beijing Birth: From Signs to Queen
Gauff’s connection with China Open fans has been electric since her 2024 debut win here, but this year’s tournament elevated it to meme-worthy status. During her quarterfinal and semifinal matches, supporters in the Lotus Court stands unveiled homemade banners dubbing her “The Fruit Salad Queen”—a playful nod to her explosive, colorful playing style and perhaps her vibrant on-court outfits (she rocked a neon yellow Nike kit in the final). The signs popped up organically, with fans chanting “Fruit Salad! Fruit Salad!” after her backhand winners, turning her matches into interactive spectacles.
In her presser, Gauff dissected the fascination:
> “It’s my boyfriend’s favorite animal… No, wait—it’s cool, but an animal nickname would be even better, like something ferocious.”
She elaborated that Harvey, a 25-year-old track athlete she’s been linked to since 2023, adores animals (he’s a self-proclaimed “zoo enthusiast” with a soft spot for big cats like lions—fitting Gauff’s roaring celebrations). The “fruit salad” tag, while “sweet and random,” amuses her as a metaphor for her “mixed bag” of shots: Powerful serves like pineapples, quick returns like grapes, and those unforced-error bursts like overripe bananas. “I love it—it’s unique. Fans here are so creative; they’ve got me smiling through every point,” she added, crediting Beijing’s warmth for her mental reset after a US Open fourth-round exit to Naomi Osaka.
The moniker trended instantly on X, with #FruitSaladQueen racking up 50K+ mentions by Sunday evening—fans photoshopping Gauff with fruit crowns and zoo mashups. One viral post quipped: “Coco’s serving aces AND fruit vibes—Beijing’s got taste! 🍍👑”
Why It Resonates: Gauff’s Fan-First Philosophy
Gauff’s embrace of the nickname aligns with her off-court ethos: Building global bonds through humor and humility. Since her 2023 US Open breakthrough, she’s leaned into fan interactions—learning basic Mandarin phrases (“Xie xie!” for thanks drew cheers in her final interview) and shouting out creative signs. This isn’t her first quirky tag (remember “Coco Crush” from juniors?), but “Fruit Salad Queen” feels tailor-made for her Gen-Z appeal, blending whimsy with her fierce competitiveness. Harvey, who stayed low-key during the tournament but posted a supportive emoji string on his private IG, reportedly loves the tie-in to his animal passion—Gauff joked he’d push for a “Lioness Queen” upgrade next year.
As she pockets $1.2 million and 1,000 points (bolstering her No. 3 ranking and WTA Finals defense in Riyadh), Gauff eyes Wuhan next (October 6 start) for a potential back-to-back sweep. “If they stick with Fruit Salad, I’ll wear a crown—maybe with lion ears,” she teased. For a player who’s evolved from teen prodigy to hard-court historian, this Beijing badge is more than fun—it’s a reminder: Even queens need a little sweetness to rule. Congrats, Coco—may your salad stay fresh. 🍓🏆
