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Coco Gauff’s dominant three-set victory over fellow American Jessica Pegula at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells drew notable courtside support from an unexpected corner: rapper Gunna. According to WTA Tennis, Gauff claimed the match 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2 on November 8, with Gunna watching from Court 2 at the California venue.
The tennis champion made sure to acknowledge her supporter during her post-match interview before the sold-out crowd. "Shoutout Gunna, I saw you," Gauff said, adding her thanks and encouraging viewers to stream his song "Pop It." The two later connected off-court, where Gauff introduced Gunna to her brother and presented him with a personalized tennis racquet bearing the words "Pop it!!!" on its grip.
Their budding friendship stems from Gauff’s appearance in Gunna’s "Pop It" music video. According to Gauff, the rapper’s team initially approached her without an existing relationship and were uncertain whether she would accept. Though initially hesitant about traveling to Atlanta after the US Open, Gauff told reporters she was pleased with her decision: "I’m so happy I did. Even before it came out, him and his team were super nice and accommodating."
Beyond their musical connection, Gauff has taken a mentoring role in Gunna’s tennis pursuits. She reportedly encouraged the Grammy-nominated artist to change coaches and train with Chris Eubanks, a former World No. 29 player and Tennis Channel commentator who is both Gauff’s friend and based in Atlanta, where Gunna also resides. Gauff revealed that Gunna has yet to complete his practice assignment before their next meeting, recalling that he attempted to return one of her serves but failed to keep the ball in play.
Gauff’s victory over Pegula advances her position in the tournament standings. Her next match against Linda Noskova is scheduled for Tuesday. According to the WTA, a win combined with a Pegula victory over Marta Kostyuk would allow Gauff to finish atop Group 1 and secure a semifinal berth—a milestone she last achieved in 2024 when she won the WTA Finals title.
The WTA Finals represent one of tennis’s premier year-end championships, bringing together the world’s top players to compete for the season’s final major title. Gauff, currently ranked World No. 4, has been a dominant force on the professional circuit and previously claimed the WTA Finals crown in 2024.
Sources and attribution
- TheGrio
- Coco Gauff opens 2026 WTA Finals with win vs. Jessica …
- Coco Gauff vs Jessica Pegula · Round Robin · WTA Finals
- WTA Finals – Women's Singles – Scores & Schedule – Tennis – BBC Sport
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