Coco Gauff has ascended to tennis stardom with such energy and flair that it’s hard to believe she hasn’t even turned 21 yet. Already a powerhouse on the court and an icon off it, Gauff’s blend of skill, resilience, and charisma has made her one of the most talked-about athletes in the world. She’s racked up Grand Slam titles, lucrative brand partnerships, and countless fan accolades, yet her latest brush with fame is something entirely different—and totally unexpected. This time, the admiration comes in the form of a name-drop from none other than music mogul Tyler, the Creator, whose latest single, “Thought I was Dead,” features a subtle yet unmistakable reference to her incredible serve.
Currently at her home base in Florida, Gauff is intensively preparing for the WTA Finals, which kick off next week in Riyadh. Amid her preparations, though, she was met with a thrilling surprise when she heard Tyler’s new song—released on October 26—where he gives a nod to her exceptional talent. With lyrics that resonate with Gauff’s on-court prowess, the track has stirred up excitement among her fans and caught her completely off guard. In disbelief, Gauff quickly took to Instagram, sharing her reaction with fans. The athlete posted a video of Tyler, the Creator’s original Instagram post, writing in her story, “Me finishing practice to being mentioned on a Tyler song. This is absolutely insane.” In the comments section, she added, “me waking up today on Tyler song wtf,” clearly still processing the unexpected recognition.
The song, “Thought I was Dead,” is the third release from Tyler’s much-anticipated album *Chromakopia* and around the 28-second mark, Tyler delivers a line that made fans do a double-take: “B**ch, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me.” It’s a cheeky, playful lyric that captures the essence of Gauff’s hard-hitting, crowd-pleasing style. For Gauff, a noted fan of Tyler, the Creator, hearing her name in one of his tracks was both surreal and deeply affirming. She’s been an outspoken admirer of his music and has even attended his concerts, making this lyrical shoutout all the more special.
Last year, Gauff, fresh off her WTA Finals, took a brief break from the tennis world to attend Tyler’s popular Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in California. She shared snapshots from the event on her Instagram, captioning the post, “I went to Camp,” as a nod to her memorable experience. That she’s now become a part of Tyler’s musical world is a testament to the mutual admiration between artist and athlete, as well as a reminder of Gauff’s unique ability to cross over from sports into other cultural spheres effortlessly. For Gauff, who’s openly passionate about music, the mention is a true high point.
Music, in fact, has long been a part of Coco Gauff’s life beyond the occasional concert. She’s spoken often about her love for it, even incorporating it into her training routines to keep her energized and focused. In a video she filmed for the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Gauff shared that music is her constant companion, whether she’s warming up, cooling down, or just relaxing. She explained, “I just like to listen to music while doing whatever I’m doing. Yeah, I mean, the bike is calming. It gets repetitive for me, so I do switch it up between the treadmill and the bike, but as long as I have music, I think it’s the most relaxing.” Her reliance on music to help her stay in the zone highlights her connection to the art form, making Tyler’s mention feel all the more fitting.
Following her triumphant US Open win this year, Gauff’s love for music was on full display when she attended a concert by d4vd, an up-and-coming artist she admires. She posted a video from the concert on her Instagram, where she sang along to his hit song “Romantic Homicide,” showcasing her impressive familiarity with the lyrics and hinting at her eclectic taste. These snapshots into Gauff’s life off the court reveal a well-rounded individual who’s as passionate about exploring new beats as she is about sharpening her tennis skills.
The growing intersection between Gauff’s tennis success and her love for music raises exciting possibilities for the future. Could she someday collaborate with artists like Tyler, the Creator or d4vd in an official capacity? Perhaps a cameo in a music video? As her brand and personal interests continue to expand, the idea doesn’t seem all that far-fetched. Given her charisma and flair, Gauff would be a natural fit for a music video or even a brand campaign featuring a soundtrack by one of her favorite artists.
For now, though, Gauff’s primary focus remains on tennis. As she gears up for the WTA Finals in Riyadh, she’ll have to channel all the motivation and energy she can, with fierce competitors standing in her way. This season alone has been monumental for her, marked by a major Grand Slam victory, significant sponsorship deals, and now a song mention that showcases her influence outside of tennis. With the finals around the corner, Gauff has a golden opportunity to conclude her season on a high note and carry that momentum forward.
At just 20 years old, Gauff has already become an icon for both tennis enthusiasts and the broader public, transcending her role as an athlete to become a cultural figure who resonates with people around the globe. Whether she’s making waves with her serves or connecting with fans through her favorite music, Gauff’s charisma, drive, and ambition ensure that she’ll continue to surprise and inspire. Her excitement over the song reference is a reminder of the humble yet passionate athlete she remains, even as she scales new heights of fame.
What does the future hold for Coco Gauff? If her recent success is any indicator, this rising star has only scratched the surface of her potential, and her journey promises to be as thrilling as any track that could top the charts. Could a collaboration with Tyler, the Creator or another artist be in the cards? Only time will tell, but for now, the spotlight is hers on both the court and the cultural stage.