On Saturday, LSU basketball star Flau’jae Johnson was at Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch Coco Gauff advance to the US Open round of 16. The 21-year-old rapper could not contain her excitement, posting videos on Instagram Stories with captions such as “omggg” and declaring herself part of the “Coco Fan Club.”

Flau’jae Johnson Witnesses Coco Gauff’s Most Dominant Performance

The LSU senior sat courtside for Gauff’s commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Poland’s Magdalena Fręch. Gauff dominated in just 1 hour, 14 minutes, recording only four double faults compared with seven in her previous round.

Johnson was not alone in her support. She was joined by six-time Grand Slam champion Rennae Stubbs, the Australian tennis legend turned ESPN commentator. During her playing career, Stubbs won four women’s doubles and two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.

Johnson later shared a photo on X with Stubbs, writing, “Chilling with a legend at the US Open watching Coco get the dub!”

Johnson’s Instagram Stories also showed the packed stadium and her time with Stubbs. “Yes, the whole stadium is filled with Coco fans,” Johnson wrote over one video of the Arthur Ashe crowd.

This marks the fourth consecutive year Gauff has reached the round of 16 at the US Open. The third-seeded American will next face either Naomi Osaka or Daria Kasatkina. Gauff holds a 3-2 career record against Osaka but is 0-3 against Kasatkina.

Her performance represented a significant turnaround after serving struggles in earlier rounds. Against Fręch, she found her rhythm at the perfect time.

Johnson’s Rising Profile Continues

Johnson was among the notable celebrities in attendance at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday night. With name, image, and likeness deals worth $1.5 million and an estimated $7 million net worth, she has built a platform that stretches well beyond college basketball.

The LSU senior served as the honorary starter at NASCAR’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona on Aug. 24. Through various high-profile appearances, she continues to build her name in the entertainment and sports worlds.

Johnson balances her final college basketball season with a growing music career under Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. Her new track “Courtside,” featuring Waka Flocka Flame, was recently added to the NFL’s 2025 Songs of the Season playlist.

Her attendance at events such as the US Open reflects her rising status as one of college sports’ biggest names. Johnson averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 rebounds last season while earning first-team All-SEC honors.

Her courtside celebration on Saturday showed that rising stars can lift each other up. As Gauff pursues a second US Open title, she has one of college basketball’s most prominent names cheering from the stands.