Coco Gauff, one of tennis’ rising stars, had a message for her critics after her quarter-final elimination at the Australian Open. After Paula Badosa beat her 7-5, 6-4, ending Gauff’s quest for a third straight title, the 20-year-old American didn’t shy away from the inevitable wave of criticism online.
Gauff’s response to “internet coaches”
In his post-match press conference, Gauff waved away the noise, offering a calm and confident response to those who questioned his play.
“I guess you just have to realize that most of the coaches on the internet have never coached anyone at my level or played,” Gauff said. “It’s easier to stand aside and say, ‘Oh, she should have done that or he should have done that.’ But when you’re there, it’s different.”
His frank comments are not surprising. Gauff has become known for her resilience in the face of adversity, addressing her critics after winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. “I kept the receipts,” she said at the time, turning doubts into fuel for his success.
A rare fall in an otherwise star-studded race
Gauff’s defeat in Melbourne ended an impressive run that included capturing her first trophy at the WTA Finals and leading the United States to victory at the United Cup. Entering the Australian Open as world number 3, Gauff was widely considered a leading contender for the title.
However, serving inconsistencies and unforced errors—41 in total—reemerged in her match against Badosa, highlighting vulnerabilities that had been largely absent in her recent performances.
-Rest and prepare for the next challenge
Despite this setback, Gauff takes a long-term view. She plans to rest before starting preparations for the Middle East tour, which begins in early February. These tournaments will provide him with an opportunity to bounce back and refine his game ahead of a busy season.
Gauff’s ability to bounce back will be closely watched as she continues to prove why she is one of the most exciting young players on tour.
The rise of a fearless competitor
At just 20 years old, Coco Gauff has already achieved what many players dream of: a Grand Slam title, a WTA Finals trophy and a place among the top three in the world. His mental toughness and refusal to let criticism derail his career are hallmarks of a champion.
As she looks ahead to the season, one thing is clear: Gauff isn’t playing for critics—she’s playing for greatness.
