Coco Gauff has just added another accolade to her growing list of achievements, and this one comes from a field far removed from the tennis court. The 20-year-old tennis sensation, currently taking a three-week break to prepare for the WTA Finals in Riyadh, has been capturing attention outside of her sport. Known for her dynamic on-court performances, Gauff has also established herself as one of the most marketable young athletes globally, recently topping the list among tennis players in SportsPro’s annual ranking of the world’s 50 most marketable athletes. And if that wasn’t enough, Gauff recently received an unexpected and exciting shoutout from one of her favorite musicians, Tyler, The Creator.
Tyler, The Creator, who is known for his distinct style and genre-bending music, made a reference to Gauff in his latest song, “Thought I was Dead,” a single teasing his upcoming album *Chromakopia.* The track includes the line, “B****, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me,” which caught Gauff’s attention almost immediately. Known to be a fan of the rapper, Gauff was over the moon, reacting to the mention on X (formerly Twitter) with, “waking up to my name being mentioned in a tyler song… absolutely insane. thank you.” She followed up with a story post on Instagram, sharing a clip of the lyric with the caption, “What Tyler said.” For Gauff, this was more than a shoutout—it was a moment of recognition from an artist she has admired for years.
Gauff’s admiration for Tyler, The Creator, is well-documented. She attended his annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival music festival in November 2023, an event that the rapper founded and which has become an iconic celebration of alternative music and culture. While there, Gauff was spotted wearing a varsity jacket from Tyler’s lifestyle brand, “Golf Le Fleur,” showcasing her support and enthusiasm for his work. This recent shoutout undoubtedly represents a full-circle moment for Gauff, who has often expressed her love for Tyler’s music and his creative ventures.
Tyler’s playful line referencing Gauff’s serve quickly stirred conversation among fans and online communities. Some tennis aficionados couldn’t resist pointing out the irony of referencing Gauff’s serve, an aspect of her game that has been under scrutiny lately. Despite her explosive playing style and strong baseline skills, Gauff’s serve has been identified as a weakness she aims to improve. Following a recent coaching change, Gauff has been working with Matt Daly, who specializes in grip adjustments and technical corrections, particularly on her serve. This area has been a focal point in her training, especially after a match at the Wuhan Open where she recorded an astonishing 21 double faults in her semi-final loss to Aryna Sabalenka. While some fans saw Tyler’s line as a humorous juxtaposition, Gauff took the reference in stride, celebrating the recognition from one of her favorite artists.
Gauff’s 2024 season has been marked by both high points and challenges, a testament to her resilience and growing maturity on the tour. She kicked off the year on a high note with a title win at the Auckland Open in January, setting the stage for what many hoped would be a season of dominance. Later in the year, she added another title to her resume at the China Open, showcasing her continued growth and consistency. However, Grand Slam success has been elusive for Gauff this year. She reached the semi-finals at both the Australian Open and the French Open, two impressive runs that reinforced her status as a top competitor, yet she fell short of securing a title. Her performances at Wimbledon and the US Open, however, were more disappointing, with Gauff exiting in the fourth round at both events.
As the year-end WTA Finals in Riyadh approach, Gauff’s preparation includes a focus on refining her serve—a key element that could make all the difference in her pursuit of the title. She has previously enjoyed success at the WTA Finals, with her best result coming last year when she reached the semi-finals. Now, she’s hoping to go one step further and capture the coveted season-ending championship. A strong performance in Riyadh would cap off what has been an eventful and challenging season, and Gauff will be entering the tournament as a serious contender.
The WTA Finals present a unique environment that brings together the season’s top players, including Gauff’s familiar rivals. Aryna Sabalenka, who handed Gauff a recent defeat at the Wuhan Open, will be among the field, as will players like Iga Świątek, who Gauff has faced multiple times in high-stakes matches. For Gauff, this tournament represents both a chance at redemption and an opportunity to test her improved skills against the world’s best. A strong showing in Riyadh could provide Gauff with added confidence as she prepares to address her technical vulnerabilities, particularly her serve, heading into the next season.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Gauff’s influence extends into the broader cultural landscape, as demonstrated by her inclusion on SportsPro’s list of the most marketable athletes. At just 20, she’s managed to cultivate a brand that resonates with fans, sponsors, and now even musicians, reflecting a maturity beyond her years. Her ability to balance her public image with the pressures of elite sport has only added to her appeal. Gauff’s marketability is due in part to her authenticity and relatability, qualities that have helped her build a strong connection with fans and admirers, including Tyler, The Creator.
As Gauff gears up for the WTA Finals, her recent brush with musical fame serves as an inspiring reminder of the influence she’s had both on and off the court. It also hints at her potential to make an impact beyond tennis, positioning her as a figure who transcends sport. Whether she takes home the title in Riyadh or not, Gauff’s season and her growing popularity underscore her place as one of tennis’s brightest stars. She’s proven that she can excel under pressure, both in responding to her game’s challenges and in handling her rising fame. With Tyler’s shoutout added to her list of memorable moments, Gauff’s 2024 has been a season full of growth, excitement, and well-deserved recognition.