Coco Gauff continues to prove why she’s a formidable presence both on and off the tennis court. The young American star began 2025 on a high note after an exceptional victory at the WTA Finals last year and leading her team to triumph at the United Cup. These achievements made her one of the top favorites to win the Australian Open. However, Gauff’s journey in Melbourne fell short of a title as she was unable to sustain her remarkable form into Grand Slam success this time around. Despite the setback, Gauff remains undeterred, sending a powerful message of resilience and positivity to her critics.
Gauff’s Australian Open run ended in the quarterfinals, where she lost in straight sets to Paula Badosa. The defeat was unexpected, as Gauff had dropped just one set in her path to the quarterfinals. In her last match, she struggled with 41 unforced errors, including six double faults and 28 missed forehands. This performance led to criticism on social media, with some questioning her skills and consistency.
very proud of myself idc what ya’ll say… a lot more to do but I am proud❤️ thank you for the edit @/alyatennxis on tik tok! pic.twitter.com/D1wKpJ4QzZ
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 23, 2025
In response, Gauff addressed her critics on social media with a confident and uplifting message. On her X account, she shared a video with the caption, “Very proud of myself idc what ya’ll say… a lot more to do but I am proud ❤️ thank you for the edit @/alyatennxis on TikTok!” This defiant yet empowering statement is not new for Gauff, who has faced and overcome similar sentiments in the past.
When asked in a post-match interview about how she copes with online criticism, Gauff gave an honest perspective, saying, “I guess you just have to realize that most of the internet coaches never coached anyone at my level or never played. So it’s one of those things. I take it with a grain of salt.” She also emphasized that she remains focused on her progress and growth rather than dwelling on negative opinions.
Despite her exit from the tournament, Gauff reflected positively on her campaign. She expressed satisfaction with her performance compared to past tournaments, stating, “I feel like (at the) U.S. Open, I was playing with no solution, so that was more the frustrating part. Today, I feel like I’m playing with solutions; I know what I need to work on.” She highlighted improvements in her serve, acknowledging it’s not perfect yet but showing pride in her progress.
Gauff also shared her belief in her upward trajectory, saying, “I feel like I’m on the road to the right way, the right path. Even though I lost today, I feel like I’m in an upward trajectory.” Her determination to continue working on her serve and aggressive playstyle underscores her focus on long-term success rather than immediate results.
Although she didn’t secure the Australian Open title, Gauff’s maturity and resilience have been evident throughout the tournament. As the tennis season progresses, it will be intriguing to see if she can channel her positive mindset and confidence into further victories and solidify her place among the sport’s elite.