Coco Gauff, one of the brightest stars in tennis, had a message for her critics following her quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open. After Paula Badosa defeated her 7-5, 6-4, ending Gauff’s bid for a third consecutive title, the 20-year-old American didn’t shy away from addressing the inevitable wave of online criticism.
Gauff’s response to “internet coaches”
In her post-match press conference, Gauff shrugged off the noise, delivering a composed and confident response to those who question her game.
“I guess you just have to realize that most of the internet coaches never coached anyone at my level or never played,” Gauff said. “It’s easier to sit on the outside and say, ‘Oh, she should have made this or he should have made that.’ But when you’re out there, it’s different.”
Her candid comments come as no surprise. Gauff has become known for her resilience in the face of adversity, famously 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 her success.
A rare stumble in an otherwise stellar run
Gauff’s loss in Melbourne ended an impressive streak that included capturing her maiden WTA Finals trophy and leading the U.S. to victory at the United Cup. Entering the Australian Open as the world No. 3, Gauff was widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the title.
However, serving inconsistencies and unforced errors—41 in total—resurfaced in her match against Badosa, exposing vulnerabilities that had been largely absent in her recent performances.
Rest and preparation for the next challenge
Despite the setback, Gauff is taking the long view. She plans to rest before beginning preparations for the Middle East swing, which starts in early February. These tournaments will offer her an opportunity to rebound and refine her 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 the 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 spot among the world’s top three. Her mental toughness and refusal to let criticism derail her career are hallmarks of a champion.
As she looks ahead to the season, one thing is clear: Gauff isn’t playing for the critics—she’s playing for greatness.