Coco Gauff gives Gunna a shoutout and a special gift after big tennis win

The tennis star thanked the rapper for cheering her on from the stands and surprised him with a personalized racquet inspired by his song “Pop It.”

Rapper Gunna was among the spectators cheering on Coco Gauff as she defeated fellow American Jessica Pegula at the FAGE WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California, on Sunday, Nov. 8. He caught up with the tennis star and received a personalized racquet.

According to WTA Tennis, Gauff won the three-set match 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2, with Gunna watching from the stands at Court 2. The appearance brought their recent connection into the spotlight after Gauff featured in the rapper’s “Pop It” music video.

During her post-match on-court interview, Coco Gauff acknowledged the rapper in front of the sold-out crowd. “Shoutout Gunna, I saw you,” she said. “Thanks for coming. Thank you, appreciate it. Hey ya’ll, go stream ‘Pop It.’” The two later caught up and took photographs. Gauff also introduced Gunna to her brother and presented the Grammy-nominated artist with a tennis racquet bearing the words “Pop it!!!” on its grip.

Their friendship began through the music video collaboration. According to Gauff, Gunna’s team approached her without an existing relationship, initially expecting that she might decline the invitation. Although she was initially hesitant about travelling to Atlanta after the US Open, Gauff said she was glad she accepted. “I’m so happy I did,” the World No. 4 told reporters. “Even before it came out, him and his team were super nice and accommodating.”

Beyond their music connection, Gauff has been encouraging Gunna to take tennis more seriously. She reportedly suggested that he change coaches and train with former World No. 29 Chris Eubanks, a Tennis Channel commentator and Gauff’s friend who lives in Atlanta, where Gunna is also based.

Gauff said the rapper had yet to complete his assignment to practise before their next meeting. She also recalled that he attempted to return one of her serves, managing to touch the ball but failing to get it inside the court. “One of these days he said we’ll get on the court,” Gauff said. “But I gave him a mission to practice, and he hasn’t followed up on that.”

Coco Gauff’s victory over Pegula keeps her in contention for a place in the semifinals. Her next opponent is Linda Noskova, with their match scheduled for Tuesday. According to the WTA, a win for Gauff combined with a Pegula victory over Marta Kostyuk would see Gauff finish atop Group 1 and advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2024, when she won the WTA Finals title.