Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation and current world number three, recently shared her 2023 Apple Music Replay, offering a glimpse into the soundtrack that fuels her on and off the court. The Replay revealed a diverse musical palate, with prominent appearances by Beyoncé, Tyler, the Creator, and Frank Ocean. This eclectic mix underscores Gauff’s appreciation for a range of musical styles, from Beyoncé’s powerful pop anthems to Tyler, the Creator’s experimental hip-hop and Frank Ocean’s introspective R&B. Interestingly, Tyler, the Creator recently featured Gauff in his song “Thought I Was Dead” from the album “Chromakopia,” a nod to the tennis star’s growing cultural influence and her intersection with the music world.
Gauff’s decision to share her Apple Music Replay sparked an unexpected online debate, highlighting the often-tribalistic nature of music streaming service loyalties. Her post, which showcased her top artists and albums, drew criticism from some Spotify users, a reaction that surprised the young tennis star. Gauff responded to the negativity with a playful yet pointed defense of Apple Music, emphasizing the platform’s features such as spatial audio and the regular Replay reports, which provide a detailed overview of listening habits. This seemingly innocuous sharing of musical preferences inadvertently ignited a larger conversation about brand loyalty and the sometimes-fierce competition between streaming platforms.
The incident underscores the increasingly prominent role music streaming services play in shaping individual identities and cultural conversations. For many, including Gauff, these platforms are not merely repositories of music; they are tools for self-expression, community building, and even social commentary. Gauff’s public embrace of Apple Music and her subsequent defense of the platform demonstrate how these services have become integrated into the daily lives of millions, influencing not only what we listen to but also how we interact with each other online.
Beyond her digital music consumption, Gauff is an active participant in the live music scene. Her attendance at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles further emphasizes her genuine passion for music and its integral role in her life beyond the tennis court. This engagement with live music provides a counterpoint to the digital experience of streaming, highlighting the continued importance of shared musical experiences and the energy of live performance. For Gauff, music is clearly more than just background noise; it’s a vital source of inspiration and connection.
Gauff’s connection to music extends beyond casual listening; it’s a crucial element of her pre-match routine and competitive mindset. She has spoken publicly about the importance of music in her preparation, crediting her headphones and carefully curated playlists with helping her focus and enter the “zone” necessary for peak performance. This underscores the psychological power of music and its ability to influence mood, motivation, and concentration, especially in high-pressure situations like professional tennis matches. Gauff’s use of music as a performance enhancer highlights the diverse ways athletes leverage music to optimize their mental and emotional states.
This recent glimpse into Gauff’s musical world – from her streaming preferences to her engagement with live music and her use of music in competition – paints a picture of a young athlete deeply connected to the power and influence of sound. It also highlights the evolving role of music streaming services in shaping cultural discourse and individual expression. The seemingly minor incident of sharing an Apple Music Replay inadvertently touched upon larger themes of brand loyalty, online community dynamics, and the ever-growing influence of music in the digital age. Gauff’s experience serves as a microcosm of how music continues to intertwine with our lives in increasingly complex and public ways.
