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US Open's Unsung Hero: Ayanna Campbell's Cheers

ESPN General •
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FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. -- Most days during the US Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the roar from Arthur Ashe Stadium spills over to the practice courts. But one voice punctuates the start and finish of several high-profile practice sessions.

Ayanna Campbell, a guest services representative, gets the crowd's attention as Coco Gauff begins practice. "Knock 'em down, roll 'em around, come on Coco, work," Campbell yells. The crowd yells back, "Work!"

In her fourth year at the US Open, Campbell, 24, is the ultimate hype woman. She leads cheers for players like Carlos Alcaraz, Venus and Serena Williams. "It's an emotional thing for them," Campbell told ESPN.

Gauff, who reached the semifinals, thanked Campbell on Instagram: "My queen! Love her." Campbell works as a bus matron for people with disabilities. Seeing a young woman close to her age succeed is powerful.