Coco Gauff’s 2024 season may not have culminated in the numerous on-court victories she hoped for, but her off-court appeal continues to resonate across sports and popular culture. The 20-year-old tennis sensation, known for her charisma and electric style on the court, has also made waves in unexpected places. Earlier this year, she led the tennis community in the prestigious *SportsPro* list of the “50 Most Marketable Athletes,” highlighting her as one of the most influential young athletes globally. Recently, her popularity received a new boost after she was name-dropped in American rapper Tyler, The Creator’s latest song, “Thought I Was Dead,” from his upcoming album, *Chromakopia.* Gauff’s excitement over this unexpected mention has brought a fresh spark to her off-season and thrilled fans worldwide.
On Saturday morning, Gauff shared her excitement by posting an Instagram story featuring Tyler’s new track. In the song, Tyler raps, “B–ch, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me,” playfully referencing the young tennis star’s aggressive serve. This quirky shout-out delighted fans, who were quick to share and comment on her post. Gauff’s reaction was one of pure joy—something any fan could relate to when an idol acknowledges them. For Gauff, who has been open about her admiration for Tyler, The Creator, the shout-out felt like a surreal validation of her presence in pop culture, going beyond her successes or struggles on the court.
Tyler’s reference to Gauff’s serve also touched upon one of the more polarizing aspects of her game. Gauff’s powerful serve has earned attention throughout the year for both positive and challenging reasons, with fans and critics alike noting her high count of double faults, which reached 407 this season. At the same time, she recorded 228 aces, an impressive number that proves her serve is both her weapon and a work-in-progress. Despite these stats, the recognition from Tyler adds a unique twist, illustrating how Gauff’s presence has transcended tennis to influence other cultural domains.
### A Longtime Fan of Tyler, The Creator
For Gauff, Tyler’s acknowledgment represents more than just a passing mention—it’s the culmination of a fan relationship that dates back years. In November 2023, she was seen attending Tyler’s *Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival* in Los Angeles, an annual music festival that the rapper created to showcase his music and fashion brand, *Golf Le Fleur*. At the event, Gauff sported a varsity jacket from *Golf Le Fleur*, further cementing her fandom and connection to Tyler’s artistic world. Imagine the thrill of hearing your favorite artist mention you in a song—Gauff’s reaction was relatable to anyone who’s ever idolized a musician or performer.
In response to the mention, Gauff wrote, “Me finishing practice to being mentioned on a Tyler song. This is absolutely insane.” Her Instagram story, where she highlighted the song lyric featuring her name, was a delight for her followers, providing a glimpse into her genuine excitement. Tyler, known for his unique, boundary-pushing artistry, has earned a loyal following, and Gauff’s inclusion in his lyrics symbolizes a mutual respect between the tennis and music worlds. Gauff even commented on Tyler’s post about the song, saying, “Me waking up today on tyler song w-f,” showcasing her disbelief and thrill at the shout-out.
### Jalen Sera Joins the Celebration
Interestingly, Gauff’s rumored boyfriend, Jalen Sera, was just as excited about the shout-out. The Atlanta-based guitarist and music enthusiast posted a reaction to Tyler’s mention of Gauff on his Instagram story, using the acronym “YACGYCSM,” which fans speculated was his enthusiastic response to Tyler’s lyrics. This shared joy between the pair adds a personal touch to the moment, revealing how music plays a bonding role in Gauff’s life.
### Music: Gauff’s Companion and Motivation
Music is a significant part of Gauff’s life, as she often discusses how it helps her focus and unwind. In a previous interview with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), 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.” Music serves as a mental refuge, allowing her to step back from the pressures of her sport and clear her mind, whether she’s training or simply finding a moment of calm amidst a busy season.
Gauff has shared that she also listens to music as a pre-game ritual, using it as a buffer to maintain her focus before stepping onto the court. “Some people don’t know this,” she said in an interview, “before I go on court I like to play loud music because I actually don’t like to hear you guys when I walk on bc it makes me nervous. So I put on music.” This habit highlights her unique way of managing nerves—a relatable challenge for young athletes—and using music as a tool to harness her energy for competition.
### Looking Ahead: Gauff’s Prospects at the WTA Finals
While this season has presented both high and low points for Gauff, her mindset and unique rituals have kept her balanced and ready for what’s next. With the upcoming WTA Finals, Gauff has the opportunity to end the year on a high note by taking on top-ranked players such as Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. This tournament marks Gauff’s third appearance at the season-ending championship, and fans are eager to see if she can deliver strong performances to cap off 2024.
For Coco Gauff, moments like Tyler, The Creator’s shout-out serve as a reminder that her impact goes beyond her performances on the court. She represents a new generation of athletes who blend sports, music, and personal passions to connect with fans around the world. With a challenging season almost behind her, Gauff’s ability to bounce back and look forward with optimism and joy continues to make her a standout figure in tennis and beyond. Whether on the court or in a Tyler, The Creator lyric, Coco Gauff is leaving her mark, one ace—or song lyric—at a time.