Coco Gauff’s run at the French Open isn’t going unnoticed-especially not byLSU’s own Flau’jae Johnson.
The NCAA basketball star, national champion, and rising rapper took to social media after Gauff cruised past France’s Lois Boisson 6-1, 6-2. With just five words-“I mean she is her ofc”-Johnson said what most were thinking: Gauff is locked in.
Their connection isn’t new. Gauff, whose father is from New Orleans, has long supported LSU. She cheered on Johnson during LSU’s 2023 national title run, and now the favor’s being returned. It’s a rare moment of crossover love between two young stars owning their lanes-and watching each other do it.
When Athletes Celebrate Athletes, It Hits Different
This wasn’t just a random shoutout. Johnson’s been following Gauff’s rise for a while. Last year, when Gauff became the first American woman since Serena Williams to win the China Open, Johnson gave her flowers-literally and musically-by tagging her in a post featuring her own track “Came Out A Beast.”
It tracks. Johnson’s always had deep roots in tennis fandom. She’s a longtime supporter of Serena, even gifting her daughters a signed LSU jersey. But what’s even more striking is how she embraces her identity as more than just a baller. Music, podcasting, culture-Johnson brings it all to the table.
Her podcast Best of Both Worlds, which launched in 2024 with Overtime, is all about that fusion: music, sports, and honest conversation. Her debut album of the same name even features heavy-hitters like Lil Wayne and NLE Choppa.
Still, basketball remains her main stage. And while head coach Kim Mulkey rebuilds LSU’s roster, Johnson continues to be the soul of the program-choosing loyalty over the WNBA draft for now.
And that’s what makes this latest shoutout land differently. It’s not just about Gauff’s win. It’s about two young women, two different sports, both excelling, both supporting each other publicly, without pretense or agenda.
It’s the kind of moment that sticks with you-and maybe even makes you cheer for both a little harder.
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