Fresh off a commanding first-round victory at Wimbledon, American tennis star Coco Gauff delivered one of the tournament's funniest post-match moments when she learned global music sensation Bad Bunny was at the All England Club.
The French Open champion cruised past Germany's Tamara Korpatsch 6-2, 6-1 on Monday, erasing memories of her disappointing first-round exit to Dayana Yastremska at Wimbledon a year ago. The convincing performance gave Gauff the ideal start as she chases a third Grand Slam singles title, as reported by The Guardian.
© Getty ImagesBad Bunny Was at Wimbledon, But Not Watching Coco Gauff
Following her victory, Gauff discovered that Bad Bunny had been attending Wimbledon, taking in Novak Djokovic's opening-round match against Wu Yibing. Her reaction was priceless.
"Oh okay! Okay. Well I was in the casita with Novak but he didn't come to my match," Gauff joked during her post-match press conference. The lighthearted comment came just days after Gauff attended Bad Bunny's sold-out London concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where she found herself at the center of the show's most exclusive attraction.
© Getty ImagesCoco Gauff and Novak Djokovic Shared the Stage
Gauff was invited into "La Casita," the energetic VIP section built into Bad Bunny's concert, where celebrity guests dance on stage alongside the performer. Djokovic also made an appearance, delivering the opening line of Bad Bunny's hit song “VOY A LLEVARTE PA PR” before posing backstage with the Puerto Rican superstar.
© Christopher PolkAlthough both tennis stars were featured during the performance, Gauff admitted she wasn't convinced Bad Bunny even realized she had been invited. "I was happy. I don't even think he knew I was there," she said.
The 21-year-old then recalled an unexpected moment that left everyone laughing. "It was funny. I was twerking with my friend and somebody tapped behind me and it was Bad Bunny. I was like, 'Oh, sorry.' And he was like, performing."
A Relaxing Break Before Wimbledon
Gauff said the concert turned out to be the perfect way to unwind before the pressure of Wimbledon began. She even joked about the singer's creative approach to entertaining thousands of fans. "My coach was like, he's a very smart person. Because instead of hiring more dancers he forces you guys to dance instead," she said.
The American later shared a video from "La Casita" on her Instagram Story, captioning it: "Novak held down the right side and I held down the left side."
According to Gauff, the experience wasn't exactly effortless. "Right before it was our part, someone came and was like, 'We need more energy. We need more hips. We need more dancing,'" she said. "I was like, bro, I've been dancing for two hours. Like I'm tired. It was hot."
Despite the exhaustion, Gauff said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. "It was super fun. It was a perfect way to relax before the chaos of Wimbledon," she said.
Strong Start After Last Year's Wimbledon Disappointment
Gauff's opening-round victory marked a significant turnaround after last year's surprise first-round defeat. She looked comfortable from the opening game, dropping just three games against Korpatsch while showcasing the confidence that has helped establish her among the favorites in the women's draw.
© DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesWhile Gauff is expected to be one of the biggest stories throughout the tournament, she isn't the only headline attraction. Much of the attention at the All England Club has also focused on the return of tennis legend Serena Williams, who is competing at a Grand Slam for the first time in four years following her surprise comeback.
Naomi Osaka also made headlines this week after she made one of the most memorable entrances of the opening round on Monday, stepping onto the grounds of the All England Club in a flowing white kimono before her first-round match against France's Elsa Jacquemot.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesOsaka's striking arrival immediately caught the attention of fans lining the walkway. One enthusiastic spectator shouted, "C'mon queen!" as the Japanese star made her way to the court.
