Coco Gauff recently embraced the lively atmosphere of the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles, making the most of her offseason alongside Jalen Sera. The 20-year-old tennis sensation swapped her tennis racket for carnival games and music as she soaked in the energy of the popular festival, hosted annually by Tyler, the Creator. This break from her demanding schedule was well-deserved, following an impressive win at the WTA Finals.
Gauff, currently ranked World No. 3, made her way to Los Angeles after spending some downtime in Florida, where she enjoyed the comfort of home and the company of her grandmother. From there, she crossed the country to join Sera at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, an event known for its eclectic mix of music, art, and playful attractions. For Gauff, it was the perfect opportunity to unwind and immerse herself in the kind of entertainment she loves.
Throughout the festival, Gauff and Sera shared snapshots of their experience on social media. The duo reveled in performances by artists such as Daniel Caesar, Kaytranada, Omar Apollo, and Doechii, with the highlight of the night coming during Tyler, the Creator’s set. The pair joined the crowd in the mosh pit, letting loose as Tyler performed his new single “New Magic Wand.” Gauff’s enthusiastic engagement with the music and festivalgoers offered a glimpse of her off-court personality—fun, energetic, and fully present in the moment.
The carnival setting wasn’t just about music; it also featured a variety of games and attractions, adding to the playful ambiance. Gauff eagerly tried her hand at some of the carnival games, only to later admit defeat with a touch of humor. “I lost every single carnival game I played at Camp Flog Gnaw,” she confessed on X, bringing a relatable and lighthearted moment to her fans. However, she wasn’t ready to go down without a win. Over at the arcade, Gauff showcased her skills on classic games, triumphantly declaring herself unbeatable at Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. “Y’all can’t touch me in Pac-Man and Galaga,” she proudly posted on her Instagram story. Meanwhile, Jalen Sera had his own arcade adventures, finding a nostalgic connection with a Beatlemania pinball machine.
Another significant moment for Gauff during the festival was hearing Tyler, the Creator’s live mention of her in his song—a thrilling experience for the young tennis star. Tyler, who recently referenced Gauff in one of his tracks, has long been an artist she admires. Attending the festival and hearing her name performed live was a full-circle moment. “Yeah, that was crazy,” Gauff reflected during a press conference at the WTA Finals. “I’ve been a fan of Tyler since I was 14 years old. I saw him perform live when I was 15 for the first time. I went to his music festival last year. I have tickets to go again this year. Hopefully he performs that song. It would be pretty cool to see that live.”
Gauff’s delight was amplified by the fact that her boyfriend had jokingly predicted Tyler would name-drop her in a song. When the prediction became reality, it left Gauff both surprised and amused. “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?’” she recounted, adding a touch of humor and personal charm to her story.
Amidst the laughter and festivities, Gauff made sure to remain connected to her family. During her time at the carnival, she took a moment to reach out to her younger brother Cameron, offering words of encouragement after his football team’s tough loss in the AYFL Super Bowl. The gesture showcased Gauff’s unwavering support for her loved ones and underscored her grounded nature, even as she enjoys global recognition and success.
Coco Gauff’s presence at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival reflects a multidimensional personality that extends beyond her tennis achievements. At just 20 years old, she continues to captivate the world with her on-court prowess, having recently achieved her first WTA Finals title. This victory saw her overcome some of the sport’s best, including Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka. Her ability to balance intense competition with genuine moments of joy and leisure demonstrates her maturity and depth as both an athlete and a young woman navigating fame.
As she prepares for future challenges on the tennis court, Gauff’s offseason adventures offer a reminder that she is more than a competitor; she’s a vibrant individual with a love for music, games, and meaningful connections. Whether it’s dominating at an arcade game, losing with grace at a carnival attraction, or cheering on her siblings, Coco Gauff embodies a refreshing blend of excellence, humility, and joy. Her journey is as captivating off the court as it is during the high-stakes matches that define her career. As fans eagerly await her next move, they can’t help but admire the way she seizes every opportunity to make memories and embrace life’s many facets.