"I win the pin game" - Coco Gauff's palpable excitement on display as she shows off custom Olympic themed gift from Snoop Dogg
American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has been living quite the Olympic dream so far, and it only seems to be getting better. The 20-year-old recently showed off a special gift from Snoop Dogg, adding it to her growing list of unforgettable Olympic memories.
Gauff began her Olympic journey as a flagbearer for Team USA alongside LeBron James. She made her on-court debut on Sunday, July 28, with a blistering 6-3, 6-0 win over Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic in the opening round. She carried that momentum into her second-round encounter against Argentina's Maria Lourdes Carle, dropping just two games en route to a 6-1, 6-1 victory.
Gauff was in for a big surprise after the win, as iconic American rapper Snoop Dogg had a special gift lined up for her. It was a custom-made pin featuring him in a blue jacket, but instead of his usual smoke, he was exhaling five Olympic rings against the breathtaking backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.
Overwhelmed by the incredible gesture, Gauff took to social media to share the unforgettable moment with her fans, playfully declaring that she had now officially won the "pin game."
USTA posted a heartwarming video featuring the two stars shortly after Gauff's match. The iconic rapper could be seen congratulating her on the impressive win while proudly showcasing the special gift.
"Just doing a little pin trading 👀," USTA, Instagram.
Gauff, in response, could be seen thanking 'Mr. Snoop' and describing it as the "best pen that I have ever gotten." She expressed her eagerness to see him again, suggesting a possible reunion at the U.S. Open or even sooner, perhaps on Wednesday at the Olympics.
Snoop was recently photographed donning a shirt with Gauff's face on it along with a team USA-themed jacket. An elated Gauff was quick to respond and hail his elite fashion sense.
Coco Gauff's Paris Olympics 2024 3R opponent
Second seed Coco Gauff will take on Donna Vekic in the first match of the day on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Tuesday, July 30 at 3:30 p.m. local time.
Vekic, like Gauff, has been in splendid form at the Olympics and is yet to drop a set. She sealed a comfortable 6-2, 7-5 win in her opener against Italy's Lucia Bronzetti and another emphatic 6-3, 6-4 win over 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu in the subsequent round.
Gauff and Vekic have never before faced off in a professional competition, and considering the high stakes and the excellent form both of them are in, their first meeting may prove to be fascinating to watch. With her higher ranking and greater clay court prowess, Gauff will start the match as the favorite.