American tennis sensation Coco Gauff recently found herself in the spotlight for an unexpected reason: her name was featured in the lyrics of a new song by rapper Tyler, the Creator. The track, titled “Thought I Was Dead,” is part of Tyler’s latest album, *Chromakopia*, which has already garnered significant attention from fans and music critics alike. Known for his inventive, often provocative lyrics, Tyler has mentioned public figures in his songs before, but including a tennis star like Gauff has piqued the interest of both music and sports fans.
In an early verse of the song, Tyler references Gauff with a clever play on words, alluding to her tennis skills with the line: “B**ch, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me.” The lyrics seem to be a nod to Gauff’s reputation for powerful serves, a skill that has become one of her trademarks on the court. Though the lyric is lighthearted, the mention of her name in a high-profile track has captivated fans.
Gauff, who is no stranger to pop culture, reacted to the shoutout with a mix of excitement and disbelief. She quickly took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share her reaction. In her post, she wrote: *”waking up to my name being mentioned in a Tyler song… absolutely insane 🤯. thank you @tylerthecreator #Chromakopia.”* Gauff also reshared the video clip on both X and Instagram, expressing how surreal it felt to hear her name in a song by one of her favorite artists. Later, she commented on the official Instagram post of the song’s video, further sharing her enthusiasm. In her Instagram stories, she humorously wrote: “Me finishing practice to being mentioned on a Tyler song. This is absolutely insane.”
The shoutout means even more to Gauff, as she’s a known fan of Tyler, the Creator. Last year, she attended his annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival music festival, where she was seen sporting apparel from his signature brand, *Golf Le Fleur.* Her admiration for the rapper has been evident over the years, and her reaction to the lyric underscores just how much this acknowledgment from Tyler means to her.
While Tyler’s line might emphasize Gauff’s “serving” prowess, ironically, her serve remains a work in progress on the tennis court. Recently, Gauff’s serve has presented challenges in key matches, leading her to openly admit that it’s an area she’s determined to improve. Her struggles with double faults have occasionally hindered her performances, a fact highlighted in her semi-final match against Aryna Sabalenka at the Wuhan Open, where she recorded an eye-opening 21 double faults. Sabalenka, who defeated Gauff, showed empathy toward the young American by offering her a hug at the net after the match. Now, with the WTA Finals in Riyadh on the horizon, Gauff is likely focusing on refining her service game, hoping to prove Tyler’s lyrics right on the court.
Music has always been a significant part of Coco Gauff’s life, both as a fan and as a source of motivation in her athletic journey. In a past interview with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), she shared how listening to music helps her relax and stay focused, whether she’s at the gym, on a run, or preparing for a big match. “I just like to listen to music while doing whatever I’m doing,” Gauff shared in a video interview with USTA. She added, “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.” This connection to music makes her feature in Tyler’s song all the more meaningful, intertwining her passion for music with her sports career.
Interestingly, Gauff is not the first tennis star to be recognized by rappers. Another American tennis icon, Serena Williams, has been mentioned in songs by notable rappers like Drake, Snoop Dogg, and Kanye West. Recently, Kendrick Lamar also gave Williams a shoutout in his popular track “Not Like Us.” Just as Serena’s influence has inspired numerous references in pop culture, Gauff’s impact as a young, successful athlete is now earning her similar recognition. As Gauff’s career continues to rise, her cultural presence appears to be expanding beyond the tennis court.
As one of the top young players in women’s tennis, Gauff has amassed a following that stretches far beyond sports, largely due to her openness, enthusiasm, and passion for her craft. Her quick ascent in the world of professional tennis, coupled with her relatable personality, has made her a fan favorite. The mention in Tyler’s song serves as an acknowledgment of her growing influence in popular culture. Gauff’s feature in *Chromakopia* has brought her name to an entirely new audience, while providing Tyler’s fans with a reminder of the young star’s impressive trajectory.
The cultural crossover between music and sports has often highlighted the achievements and charisma of iconic athletes, and Gauff’s shoutout marks her growing reputation as an athlete who is breaking boundaries. For Coco Gauff, the shoutout serves as a milestone that symbolizes her impact as a young athlete not only admired in sports but also embraced by artists, celebrities, and fans across different domains.
Now, with the WTA Finals in Riyadh just around the corner, Coco Gauff is eager to improve her game and make a statement on the court. The added buzz from Tyler’s lyrics only adds to her momentum and motivation. With her dedication, love for music, and constant drive to improve, Gauff is on track to leave an enduring mark on tennis and popular culture alike, making her an inspiration to fans around the world.