Coco Gauff, fresh off her sensational 2024 season finale, took some well-deserved time off to attend the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles. The 20-year-old tennis star, who has established herself as one of the sport’s brightest talents, shared highlights of her trip on social media, showcasing her love for music and good company. Accompanied by her boyfriend Jalen Sera and a group of friends, Gauff soaked up live performances from top artists like Daniel Caesar, Omar Apollo, and Tyler, the Creator.
This music-filled getaway comes at the end of a year that tested Gauff’s resilience and reaffirmed her status as a champion. While she faced setbacks, including a tough loss at the US Open, Gauff’s remarkable comeback later in the season proved why she remains a force to be reckoned with in women’s tennis.
### **A Roller Coaster Season for Gauff in 2024**
The 2024 season was a whirlwind for Gauff, marked by both frustration and triumph. The young American entered the year with high expectations, having claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. However, her title defense at Flushing Meadows ended in disappointment as she exited earlier than expected, leaving her visibly emotional during post-match interviews.
Despite the setback, Gauff rebounded brilliantly. She captured the China Open title in Beijing, showcasing her grit and determination. She then capped off the season with a spectacular run at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, defeating some of the world’s top players to secure her second major trophy of the year. With these victories, Gauff climbed to a career-best year-end ranking of World No. 3, solidifying her position among the elite in women’s tennis.
### **A Musical Break at Camp Flog Gnaw**
Following her WTA Finals triumph, Gauff took a brief detour to Florida to visit her grandmother before jetting off to Los Angeles for Tyler, the Creator’s annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. The music festival, a staple event for alternative and hip-hop fans, featured a star-studded lineup, including Daniel Caesar, Omar Apollo, and Tyler himself.
Gauff, who has been an ardent fan of Tyler, the Creator since her early teens, documented her experience on Instagram, sharing photos and videos of the performances. Her caption, “year 2 at camp,” hinted at her growing tradition of attending the festival, as she had also made an appearance at the event in 2023. Alongside enjoying the music, the tennis star made time for a casual tennis practice session with her friends, blending her two passions during the trip.
### **A Special Connection with Tyler, the Creator**
Coco Gauff’s love for Tyler, the Creator extends beyond attending his concerts. The rapper recently referenced Gauff in his track *Thought I Was Dead*, a shout-out that left the tennis star both surprised and thrilled. In the song, Tyler playfully highlights Gauff’s serving prowess with the line:
> “B***h, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me.”
The namedrop wasn’t entirely unexpected for Gauff, thanks to her boyfriend Jalen Sera, who had jokingly predicted it before the song’s release. Speaking at a press conference during the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Gauff recounted the moment her boyfriend made the uncanny prediction.
“Then my boyfriend is like, ‘Watch, he’s going to drop you in a song.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, that would be insane. That’s never going to happen.’ Three weeks later, it happened. I was like, ‘Can he see into the future or what?’” Gauff laughed.
She also revealed her long-standing admiration for Tyler’s artistry, stating she had been a fan since she was 14 and first saw him perform live at 15. “I’ve been listening to Tyler for over six years. I saw him perform live when I was 15 for the first time. I went to his music festival last year and had tickets to go again this year. Hopefully, he performs *Thought I Was Dead*. It would be pretty cool to see that live,” she added.
### **A Season to Remember**
Gauff’s attendance at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival offered her a moment to reflect on what has been a defining season in her career. Her 2023 campaign, highlighted by her US Open victory, set the stage for the ups and downs of 2024. Despite facing immense pressure and challenges, the American star showcased her ability to adapt and improve under the brightest lights.
Her 2024 journey was emblematic of her fighting spirit. From the heartbreak at the US Open to the triumphs in Beijing and Riyadh, Gauff proved she has the maturity and determination to thrive on the WTA tour. These experiences, combined with her passion for life off the court, continue to endear her to fans around the world.
### **Looking Ahead**
As Gauff enjoys her off-season, her focus will soon shift back to the court as she prepares for the 2025 season. With her ever-improving game and newfound confidence, she will undoubtedly be one of the favorites for next year’s Grand Slam titles. Yet, her trip to Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival serves as a reminder that Coco Gauff is more than just a tennis player—she’s a multifaceted individual with a deep appreciation for music, culture, and the simple joys of life.
In Gauff’s own words, “I still love tennis to death, but moments like these remind me that there’s so much more to life than just winning matches. Balance is everything.” For the 20-year-old phenom, this balance seems to be the key to her continued success both on and off the court.