How a baby’s autograph-covered helmet became the sweetest surprise of the US Open
Credit: Instagram/elenisabracos
Sometimes the world’s most high-profile stages are the most unlikely places for pure, unscripted joy—especially when a baby is involved
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Meet Baby Stella, a toddler in a bright pink cranial remolding helmet who stole the spotlight at the 2025 US Open. What began as a medical device turned into an unforgettable symbol of celebration after tennis stars lined up to sign it—transforming her helmet into one of the sweetest souvenirs in tournament history.
A baby steals the spotlight
Armed with nothing but her bright pink helmet (a cranial remolding orthosis) and a sharpie, Baby Stella captured hearts all over the tournament. As People first reported, tennis stars such as Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jannik Sinner added their signatures to her helmet, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind keepsake—and instantly making Stella the unofficial mascot of the grounds
Social media users had a field day. @bravohistorian said, “I’m jealous because her interesting fact ice breaker will crush every time,” while @meredithstutzbarteck declared her as “iconic” as Naomi Osaka’s famously flamboyant Labubu doll. A few joked that the only thing Stella was missing was a yellow helmet so she’d match the tennis ball aesthetic—and that the collection of autographs “should pay for college”
Related: The joy in a baby’s smile: What a viral reunion teaches us about infant bonding
Parenting in the limelight: When babies brighten big moments
It’s less about the spectacle and more about the universal magic parents know all too well: babies naturally draw joy wherever they go. Even in a packed, high-stakes environment like the US Open, Stella’s effortlessly charismatic presence turned into a symbol of warmth.
Stella’s helmet became an unexpected symbol of connection at the US Open. For her mom and aunt, what once felt like a medical hurdle was transformed into a moment of celebration. Katerina, Stella’s mother, even shared that she initially felt “embarrassed and ashamed” about her daughter needing the helmet, but the kindness and enthusiasm they encountered turned those feelings into pride and a sense of belonging.
Childhood collides with celebrity, and everyone smiles
What might have seemed like a lighthearted moment quickly revealed something deeper: childhood and celebrity fandom are natural allies. Stella’s presence reminded the world that even in high-pressure environments, simple human connection shines brightest.
Related: The influencer baby names making it from our FYP to actual birth certificates
A joyful reminder
Baby Stella’s helmet—now covered in the signatures of tennis icons—stands as a reminder of how babies naturally spread joy. Beyond the celebrity and spectacle, her smile turned strangers into fans and transformed an ordinary day at the US Open into a lasting memory.
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