Coco Gauff is making the most of her offseason by stepping away from the tennis court and fully immersing herself in a world of music, fashion, and well-earned leisure. Following a challenging but ultimately triumphant tennis season, the 20-year-old starlet recently attended Tyler the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles, one of the city’s most vibrant music festivals. Gauff’s appearance at the 10th-anniversary celebration of the carnival turned heads for more than just her star power; she captivated fans with a bold new hairstyle and her infectious energy that lit up the event.
The festival served as a well-deserved break for Gauff, who has put together an extraordinary season. The latter half of her tennis year posed significant challenges, such as tough losses in Cincinnati and an earlier-than-expected exit from the US Open, where she had entered as a defending champion. But Gauff showed resilience and determination, bouncing back with standout performances that affirmed her status as one of tennis’s brightest young stars. She concluded her season with major triumphs, including a title at the China Open and a record-breaking victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. At that prestigious event, Gauff made history by becoming the youngest champion in over a decade, defeating China’s Qinwen Zheng after an intense comeback from a set down. This victory not only added a significant accolade to her already impressive resume but also earned her a staggering $4.8 million in prize money.
With her tennis racquet temporarily put aside, Gauff’s focus shifted to enjoying some downtime and soaking in the energy of Camp Flog Gnaw. Known for its eclectic mix of music and culture, Tyler the Creator’s festival featured a star-studded lineup, including big names like Playboi Carti and Sexyy Red. For her festival outing, Gauff donned a chic new hairstyle—a fresh, fashion-forward look that complemented her vibrant orange pullover—and enjoyed the experience alongside her boyfriend, Jalen Sera. The couple shared snapshots of their time at the carnival, capturing moments of joy and celebration.
One of the festival’s highlights for Gauff came in the form of a special acknowledgment from Tyler the Creator himself. During the event, the rapper performed a track titled “Thought I Was Dead” from his new album, *CHROMAKOPIA*, which included a shoutout to the tennis star with the line, “You ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me.” The lyric, a playful nod to Gauff’s prowess on the court, was first teased by her boyfriend, Jalen, ahead of the album’s release. Overjoyed, Gauff took to social media to express her excitement, writing on Instagram, “Waking up to my name being mentioned in a Tyler song… Absolutely insane. Thank you!”
The shoutout added a personal touch to Gauff’s festival experience, making the event even more memorable. She shared clips of Tyler’s live performance of the song, as well as highlights of the festival crowd, on her Instagram story. Her posts conveyed her enthusiasm and gratitude for being recognized in such a unique way, reflecting the genuine joy she felt at the moment.
For Gauff, this offseason moment of relaxation and celebration is a reminder of how far she has come and how bright her future remains. At just 20 years old, she has already achieved what many athletes spend their entire careers chasing, with major wins, significant titles, and record-breaking milestones to her name. Her ability to balance a high-pressure sports career with moments of genuine enjoyment and connection—whether through music, relationships, or spontaneous fun—speaks to her multidimensional personality and her ability to inspire on and off the court.
Even as she savors her offseason moments, Gauff remains a formidable presence in tennis. Her recent successes in China and Riyadh showcased her growth, resilience, and strategic prowess. From fighting through adversity to emerging victorious on the world stage, Gauff’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. While fans may admire her as a champion, they also love her for moments like this—where she embraces life with an exuberance that feels as powerful as her serves.
As the offseason progresses, Gauff’s appearance at Camp Flog Gnaw may well be one of many vibrant moments that she uses to recharge before the next competitive season begins. For now, she is soaking in every second of her well-earned break, reveling in the music, the love, and the unmistakable thrill of being Coco Gauff—an athlete who has conquered much and yet knows there is still so much more to come.