Coco Gauff has never shied away from high expectations — not from the public, not from her team, and certainly not from herself. But it’s that very intensity that sometimes clouds her moments. Back in 2022, after losing her first Grand Slam final at Roland-Garros, she tearfully admitted, “I was very anxious, not wanting to disappoint people.” Even now, two years and one US Open title later, she walks into Paris not just as a contender but as someone expected to conquer. Yet pressure doesn’t vanish with a trophy — it shapeshifts. At this point, Coco could use a little bit of cheering from someone who knows how to own a stage.The obvious name for the job? Beyoncé. Right? 

Gauff has never been shy about her love for Queen Bey. Back in 2020, she tweeted, “I hope Beyoncé is proud of me” after an early-career win, a line that instantly went viral. She’s posted clips from the Renaissance Tour, praised the choreography, the vocals, the perfection. Her connection isn’t just that of a fan — it’s aspirational. Beyoncé’s entire persona — commanding, meticulous, ever-evolving — reflects a path Gauff herself has tried to carve on court. Even in press interactions, Gauff has mentioned drawing inspiration from how Beyoncé manages fame, criticism, and creative control. But then, Madrid happened. 

Earlier this May, Gauff reached the final of the tournament only to fall in straight sets to Aryna Sabalenka. And now, back on the Grand Slam stage in Paris, the question of pressure hovers again. And when asked ahead of her opener which celebrity she’d most want courtside, Gauff gave a smile and a name. Spoiler: it wasn’t Beyoncé.

Just a few hours ago, the Tennis Channel posted a short video on IG—a clip from a chat they had earlier this month with Gauff. When asked which celebrity she would love to have cheering her on from the stands, the 21-year-old said, “Rihanna. I feel like she has great energy. I haven’t met her yet. But I feel like she would be a good hype man. I would be so nervous,” she said with a laugh. The US Open winner went on to explain how the presence of a star in the crowd can raise her game, adding, “You know honestly I do better when there’s someone famous in the crowd because I’m like I can’t lose in front of them.” But while the fact that she didn’t even spare a moment before she chose Rihanna over everyone else (most importantly Beyonce) may come as a surprise to some, her admiration for the singer of Umbrella is no secret either.

Gauff’s admiration for Rihanna runs far deeper than fandom, though. Over the years, she has expressed a deep respect for the global superstar, not just as a musician or entrepreneur, but as a bold, empowered figure. A particularly memorable moment for her was Rihanna’s resolute reaction to a prying reporter following her partner A$AP Rocky’s legal proceedings.

A$AP Rocky, the acclaimed American rapper, was recently acquitted in a high-profile legal case in LA. After the verdict, as he faced a barrage of questions from reporters, one journalist crossed a line with an inappropriate inquiry. Rihanna, standing by his side, didn’t hesitate to snap back, “How do you think it feels?” That moment of unapologetic confidence resonated deeply with Gauff. Subsequently, Gauff shared a picture of the couple on her Instagram story with one powerful word: “Mood.” 

Now, as she prepares for Roland-Garros, Gauff will need all the support she can have. And whether Rihanna is present there or not, she is definitely ready to get going.

Coco Gauff on her mindset going into Roland-Garros

In 2022, the American came heartbreakingly close to claiming her 1st GS title at the French Open, only to be stopped by Iga Swiatek in a dominant 6-1, 6-3 final. Overwhelmed by emotion, Coco broke down in tears as she sat in her chair post-match. Reflecting on that experience, she admitted, “This is a first time for me so I’ll try to get through this.” Even recently, the memory remains vivid for her. “I was very anxious, not wanting to disappoint people. I think I put too much pressure on myself not swinging through on any of those shots. It was a heartbreaking match. It felt like seeing your dreams kind of snatched away.”

Last year, history repeated itself when Swiatek once again dashed Gauff’s hopes, defeating her in straight sets (6-2, 6-4) in the SF. Yet, 2025 presents a renewed sense of optimism. With strong showings on clay this season, reaching the finals in both Madrid and Rome, fans are hopeful that this could finally be Coco’s year at Roland-Garros.

In the season’s first GS, Gauff exited in the QF at the hands of Paula Badosa. Speaking about her mindset heading into this year’s French Open, she said, “Yeah I mean I felt like in Australia, I was playing great tennis and then I just had played Paula who was also playing great tennis, you know. I think my mindset going into this tournament. I didn’t feel that pressure really going into Australia. I was playing pretty free and I don’t really feel that here.” She also revealed that she is going to take things point-by-point and match-by-match, hoping that it’s enough to take her all the way.

The American ace begins her 2025 Roland Garros campaign against Olivia Gadecki today, determined, experienced, and perhaps more ready than ever to conquer Paris. What are your predictions for the first round match of Coco?