Coco Gauff, the tennis sensation known for her on-court prowess, candid demeanor, and quick-witted humor, recently revealed who she would not turn to in a crisis – her fellow American player, Frances Tiafoe. This revelation was made during an Instagram Q&A session held by the WTA, causing quite a stir among tennis enthusiasts.
Gauff, who has earned her place in fans’ hearts with her fierce gameplay and refreshing honesty, is also renowned for her camaraderie with fellow tennis players. Her friendships with Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton, Chris Eubanks, and Frances Tiafoe are well-documented. However, when asked who she would avoid calling in an emergency, Gauff promptly nominated Tiafoe. This response was not unexpected, considering the pair’s jovial rapport and playful exchanges that often leave their followers amused.
It’s no secret that Gauff and Tiafoe share a friendly rivalry, with the two frequently engaging in banter. Gauff has been known to poke fun at Tiafoe’s choices in attire and his serving skills – all in good humor, of course. Despite her light-hearted dig at Tiafoe, she also attempted to balance her response by mentioning a WTA player. However, she quickly added that she would trust any WTA player over an ATP star, as she believes women to be smarter and better. This statement further showcased Gauff’s close-knit relationships within the WTA circle.
In a previous conversation with the Tennis Channel, Gauff had shared insights into her friendships, revealing the best and worst texters among her friends. Jessica Pegula and Ben Shelton were named the worst, while Chris Eubanks and Desirae Krawczyk were dubbed the best. Gauff also revealed that she affectionately refers to Krawczyk as “Mama Dez” and she might even be on her emergency contact list.
Frances Tiafoe recently made waves at the 2025 Indian Wells Open, not just for his tennis skills but for his comical mishap. He forgot his rackets before facing Damir Džumhur on Court 2, which led to his coach, David Witt, scrambling to retrieve them. Despite the initial hiccup, Tiafoe went on to win the match in straight sets, turning the night into a memorable one. Tiafoe’s humor continued into his third-round match against Yosuke Watanuki where he playfully feigned another racket mishap, despite eventually losing the match.
Speaking about Tiafoe’s forgetfulness, Gauff defended her friend, shifting the blame onto his coach, David. She justified that usually, coaches are responsible for bringing the rackets before a match. Despite her playful comments about not considering Tiafoe as an emergency contact, it’s evident that their bond is fortified by these humorous exchanges.
As the tennis season progresses, fans are eager to witness more such antics from Gauff and Tiafoe. Their friendly banter, combined with their exceptional tennis skills, indeed promises an entertaining season ahead. Gauff’s recent revelations have only added to the excitement, showcasing the unique blend of humor and camaraderie that exists off the tennis court.