Move aside Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez dream team and Naomi Osaka’s glittery Labubus. The U.S. Open has uncovered a new sensation that is delighting tennis fans – a baby donning a helmet.
Meet Stella, the cheerful baby from Michigan who has gained viral fame after a video shared online dubbed her as the “star of the U.S. Open.” The video showcased top tennis players signing her pink helmet with a sharpie, including Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Taylor Townsend, and Emma Nevarro.
Stella’s mom, Katerina Buck, revealed that they didn’t anticipate the overwhelming response. Stella acquired her helmet just two weeks before the prestigious tournament at Flushing Meadows. Attending the U.S. Open with her sister and a friend from Betches Media, they playfully aimed to “go viral” by having athletes sign Stella’s helmet, never expecting it to become a reality.
During their first match featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Stella was brought down to the court by Bella. The crowd began chanting, “sign the baby,” setting the tone for the unexpected journey ahead.
In what has been a tournament marked by player meltdowns, a lively audience, and peculiar incidents like a man grabbing a hat from a child, the presence of a happy baby and her now-famous helmet has brought joy to U.S. Open fans and players.
Many on social media expressed adoration for Stella, noting how everyone couldn’t resist giving her their signature. Some even humorously suggested a yellow helmet for her to resemble a tennis ball.
Stella’s Starband helmet, used for treating cranial deformities, has become a coveted collectible at the U.S. Open. Stella is undergoing treatment for positional plagiocephaly, a condition where babies develop flat spots on their heads due to their soft skulls and weak neck muscles.
Despite the unexpected viral attention, Buck emphasized that showcasing Stella’s cuteness and normalizing corrective helmets are positive outcomes. Stella will continue to wear her helmet for approximately six more months, with Buck taking steps to preserve the signatures by applying clear paint coats to the helmet.
In conclusion, Stella’s journey at the U.S. Open has not only captured hearts but also shed light on the importance of early corrective measures for infant cranial issues.