“I won my first major in the CG1. So, that shoe will always be special to me,” said Coco Gauff earlier this year about the iconic pair of shoes she wore last year at the Flushing Meadows on her way to lifting her first Major. But there always comes a time when you have to move on from something close to your heart. Seems like it’s time for the World No.3 and WTA Finals winner to make her transition with her favorite shoes. Ahead of her comeback on the court with the United Cup, the 20-year-old has bid farewell to her “babies”.

Coco took to her Instagram and shared a string of stories, dated December 24, dropping an emotional moment. Sharing a picture of her reliable on-court pair of CG1 from New Balance, she revealed that it’s time for a change. For the unversed, Gauff’s first, and personalized series of shoes, CG1, was released back in 2022 by New Balance, whose brand value this year has shot up to $4.3 billion. For the past two years, Gauff has been wearing the first generation of this line. After receiving CG2, however, she’s ready for an overhaul.

“CG1’s are my babies but CG2 is just so elevated,” she wrote in the first story. In the same story, she also praised the second generation of New Balance’s series and wrote, “consistently the hardest shoes on tour #CG2 @newbalancetennis.”

In another story, Gauff simply showcased the new series of shoes she will flaunt at the United Cup. The team-based, mixed-gender event will be played in Australia, starting from December 27. While representing Team USA, Coco will be seen sporting the CG2 this time. And they seem to fit her style well – even more than the previous versions. But how? “This version is a lot more breathable and more comfortable and allows her to move around the court,” said New Balance’s product manager Josh Wilder during the launch of CG2, as reported by Forbes on August 20.

Coco Gauff was quite excited when CG2 was first unveiled, “I loved the mid-top design of the CG1 not just for the aesthetic, but also for how much support and stability it gives me on the court,” she said. “There was no question we would keep the same mid-top for the CG2″, she added.

Gauff, in the meantime, is leaving no stone unturned in making the most of her tennis break before a busy schedule. And what’s better than to spend some quality time with family and a longtime team-mate?

Coco Gauff enjoys a fun time with family and coach Jean-Christophe Faurel

The young American sensation took to Instagram and shared a picture earlier this week. She was on a flight with her mother Candi, her father Cori, and her brothers. However, she was also joined by a special member – her longtime trainer Jean-Christophe Faurel. Giving a fun caption to the post, Coco wrote, “Family trip plus @jeanchristopherfaurel 🤣❤️.”

For the unversed, the bond between Coco and Jean is quite old. They first teamed up when Coco was just 14. Jean was also a part of her overall team setup during the 2019 Wimbledon. That year, she became the youngest player ever to qualify for the grass-court Major tournament. The duo then parted ways in 2020. However, they got back together and joined forces earlier this year in April.

Sharing her honest thoughts on their player-coach dynamic, Coco Gauff previously said, “It’s nice to have someone on my team that knows me since I was young and knows me well. So I’m really, really excited to have him back on the team.” And her recent picture with Jean reflects this relationship very evidently.

Gauff’s avid fans will hope for her to continue delivering a stellar performance under him in the next season too. After clinching the WTA Finals trophy in Riyadh last month, she will look to give her best in the United Cup, before the Australian Open. Do you think Gauff will play a key role for America in their United Cup title defense this year? Let us know in the comments below.