Coco Gauff’s 2024 has been a season of highs and lows, marked by fluctuations in her performance on the court. The young American tennis star has been in a challenging phase recently, grappling with form issues that have impacted her matches. But just when things seemed dim, Gauff received an incredible surprise that reignited her spirits – a mention in a song by her favorite artist, Tyler, the Creator. For a devoted fan like Coco, this acknowledgment felt deeply personal, and she was visibly overwhelmed by the recognition. As a fan of Tyler’s music, hearing her name in his lyrics was a surreal experience that Gauff later shared with her followers, emphasizing how special this moment was for her.
This shout-out has significance beyond just her fandom; it’s also a nod to Gauff’s rising cultural impact. Coco Gauff, now just 20, has spent the past few years carving out her own space in the world of tennis, with achievements like winning the U.S. Open in 2023 and climbing the WTA rankings. Her talent, charisma, and fearless attitude have made her one of the most promising faces of the sport. Yet, having her name immortalized in a Tyler, the Creator song marks an entirely different level of recognition. It’s a sign that her influence extends beyond the tennis court, reaching broader cultural arenas like music, where only a few athletes – particularly those with Gauff’s youth and appeal – manage to make a mark.
Adding to the thrill for Coco is the fact that she follows in the footsteps of her role model, Serena Williams, another tennis icon who was once featured in a musical track. In one of Drake’s popular songs, “Too Good,” Serena received a similar nod that celebrated her dominance on the court. In a recent episode of the *Tennis Weekly Podcast* on October 29, the show’s hosts reflected on Gauff’s feature on Tyler’s song “Thought I Was Dead” and discussed how this continues the trend of tennis stars being embraced by the music world. Podcast insider Christopher Kneebone commented on the parallel between Coco and Serena, noting that Serena was often referenced in the rap scene, and now Gauff has joined those ranks, symbolizing her growing stature and appeal.
Kneebone shared that Gauff discovered her mention in Tyler’s song right after a training session. “Coco Gauff was practicing and then found out just after practice that she got a shout-out on Tyler, the Creator’s new single,” he said. “So, I mean, that means you’re making it somewhere.” Kneebone’s words highlight just how monumental it is for a young athlete like Coco to find herself mentioned in such a prominent context. “Serena was referenced by Drake and many others in rap songs previously, but now Coco Gauff has made it onto a track.” The reference comes about 28 seconds into Tyler’s song, where the lyrics go, “B**ch, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me.” This line clearly acknowledges Gauff’s athletic prowess and her standout skill on the court, which has become her trademark.
Upon hearing the shout-out, Coco took to her Instagram Story to share her reaction, writing, “Me finishing practice to being mentioned on a Tyler song. This is absolutely insane.” Her response reflects not only her gratitude but also her disbelief at this unexpected recognition from one of her personal heroes. Gauff has openly shared her love for music, frequently talking about how it’s a part of her daily life. In a video for USTA, Gauff explained that music is her constant companion, whether she’s working out, relaxing, or preparing for matches. “I just like to listen to music, while doing whatever I’m doing,” she said. “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.” Her love for music even inspired her to attend a d4vd concert last year to celebrate her U.S. Open win, underlining how important music is in her life.
Fans and followers of Gauff have already started speculating about the possibilities that might stem from this exciting development. Some wonder if Coco might even collaborate with Tyler in the future, exploring her passion for music alongside her career in sports. Such a collaboration would undoubtedly excite her fans, who have always been supportive of her interests beyond tennis. While there’s no official word on whether Gauff might consider working on a music project or a collaboration with Tyler, fans can’t help but hope for such a surprise.
With each new milestone, Coco Gauff is continuing to grow her legacy, transcending tennis and becoming a cultural icon in her own right. This shout-out from Tyler, the Creator adds a unique chapter to her journey and highlights how her influence is expanding. For a player who is still early in her career, Gauff’s recognition in popular music symbolizes the breadth of her appeal and her potential to shape culture far beyond the court. Only time will tell if Coco will announce a music venture in the future, but for now, her fans are delighted to see her revel in this unforgettable moment.