Coco Gauff and her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, are showing fans exactly what it means to embody “relationship goals.” Their dynamic is marked by sweet moments shared on social media, from cozy date nights to heartfelt celebrations of each other’s achievements. Each post seems to deepen fans’ admiration, and their supportive gestures continually elevate their bond in the eyes of followers. But this time, it’s not just a romantic gesture that has people talking; rather, it’s an unexpected honor for Coco that caught the attention of the music world—and Jalen couldn’t be prouder.
As Coco preps for the WTA Finals in Riyadh, she woke up to an incredible surprise. The Grammy-winning artist Tyler, the Creator dropped a mention of her in his latest track, *Thought I was Dead,* from his upcoming album *Chromakopia,* released on October 26. The line, a witty nod to her unstoppable serves, left fans buzzing. Around the 28-second mark, Tyler raps, “B**ch, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me,” a clever line that hints at her strength on the court. Gauff’s reaction was filled with surprise and excitement, as she took to Instagram to share the moment with fans, showing that even she couldn’t believe her ears.
“Me finishing practice to being mentioned on a Tyler song. This is absolutely insane,” Gauff captioned her Instagram story, pairing it with a repost of Tyler’s announcement video. She also commented on the original post, “me waking up today on Tyler song wtf,” expressing her shock and delight. But one of her most enthusiastic supporters in this thrilling moment? None other than Jalen Sera. He immediately shared the same post to his own Instagram story, writing “YACGYCSM,” an acronym signifying his joy and surprise. While it might be unusual to decode a message in all-caps, it clearly shows that Jalen was as thrilled about Coco’s shoutout as she was, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by their fans.
For Jalen, who has been by Gauff’s side through her career highs and personal milestones, this moment in the spotlight is all the sweeter because of his own love for music. Gauff and Jalen’s relationship has always been grounded in mutual support, with Jalen frequently posting messages of encouragement and admiration for Coco’s achievements on the tennis court. This kind of public show of affection from Jalen has become a hallmark of their relationship, capturing attention from fans who love seeing a couple cheer each other on. Following her incredible victory against Elina Svitolina at the US Open this year, Gauff posted celebratory photos on Instagram, captioned with “moments like this” and a fire emoji. Jalen’s response was swift and heartfelt; he commented “Electric,” to which Gauff playfully replied, “Powwww.” Their exchange showed just how much energy they bring to each other’s lives, both in the big moments and the small ones.
Jalen’s pride in Coco’s musical shoutout feels especially significant considering his passion for music. In a way, this mention from Tyler, the Creator not only shines a light on Coco’s growing impact in popular culture but also highlights an aspect of their relationship that resonates with both of them. For Coco, music isn’t just a hobby; it’s a key part of her routine, helping her stay focused, calm, and ready for action. In an interview at the Indian Wells Masters earlier this year, Coco shared her pre-match ritual, which has become something of a personal tradition. “Some people don’t know this, but 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 because it makes me nervous. So I put on music,” she explained with a laugh. The beats help her center herself and focus, shielding her from the crowd noise and creating a mental safe space before stepping into the limelight.
Her love for music goes beyond just pre-game rituals. Coco has often expressed how music helps her unwind and stay energized, whether she’s at the gym, around the house, or in a high-stakes tournament setting. In a video for the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Gauff shared, “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.” It’s clear that music plays a fundamental role in her life, a source of motivation and relaxation, and perhaps this is one of the reasons why Tyler’s lyric holds such a special place in her heart.
Coco’s enthusiasm for music extends to live performances as well. After her US Open win, she celebrated by attending a concert for the rising artist d4vd, where she immersed herself in the experience, singing along to popular hits like “Romantic Homicide.” Her love for music is not just about listening but also about connecting with artists who inspire her, both on and off the court. With Tyler’s latest track marking a high point in her connection to the music world, one can only imagine where her relationship with music could lead. Could a music video cameo or an official brand collaboration be in the cards for Coco? Given her rising influence and the admiration she commands in and outside tennis, it’s not far-fetched.
As Coco continues to climb in both tennis and popular culture, this shoutout is a fitting reminder of how far she’s come and how brightly she shines. For now, though, her focus remains on the WTA Finals, where she’ll bring the same passion that caught Tyler’s attention. With Jalen’s support by her side and her unwavering drive, Coco is all set to face her next challenges, both on the court and beyond.