Coco Gauff couldn’t help but laugh at NBA star Jimmy Butler’s extravagant movie theater-style setup as he watched her compete in the US Open quarterfinal against Jelena Ostapenko.

Over the years, Gauff and Butler have developed a special bond, consistently showing support for each other in their respective sports. Butler has been frequently seen at Gauff’s tennis matches, while Gauff has attended several Miami Heat games to cheer on her friend. On September 5th, Butler shared a video clip of himself enjoying Gauff’s quarterfinal match against Jelena Ostapenko in a rather unconventional manner.

Gauff has been on an impressive winning streak at the US Open, securing victory in five consecutive matches. Her journey began with a come-from-behind win against German qualifier Laura Siegemund, followed by a straightforward victory over Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva. The 19-year-old faced tougher opposition in the subsequent rounds but exhibited her resilience by defeating former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, 32nd seed Elise Mertens, and 20th seed Ostapenko.

In a conversation with Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily Post, Gauff acknowledged how her friendship with the NBA star has contributed to her skill development. Currently ranked No. 6, Coco Gauff has enjoyed a standout season, securing two of the most significant titles of her career in Washington DC and Cincinnati. She is now aiming to become the first American teenager to claim victory at the US Open since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 1999.