Coco Gauff had a prepared message for her critics following an Australian Open exit, highlighting that she won't be bothered by what some "internet coaches" may have to say.
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After collecting her maiden WTA Finals trophy and also winning the United Cup, the American's bid to win her third consecutive title ended after Paula Badosa handed her a 7-5 6-4 defeat in the quarterfinal at Melbourne Park.
Considering how well Gauff played in late 2024 and early 2025, she was widely regarded as one of the top favorites for the Australian Open.
But on Tuesday, the 20-year-old's serving and forehand woes resurfaced as she hit six double faults and had 41 unforced errors.
Usually, the world No. 3 hears it from her critics and doubters after such performances.
Gauff asked how she would shield herself from criticism
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," the top-ranked American female tennis player said.
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"It's easier to look on the outside, you know, all those things when you are playing and you're commentating.
"You'll hear not commentators, but people saying: Oh, she should have made this or he should have made that'. Even when I'm watching, I do that. Obviously when you're out there, it's different."
After winning the 2023 US Open for her first Grand Slam title, Gauff famously hit back at her critics and doubters by revealing that she kept the receipts and used that as a motivation to prove them wrong.
Meanwhile, the 20-year-old will now probably take some time to rest before kicking off her preparation for the Middle East swing, which starts in early February.
It will be interesting to see how Gauff bounces back in her next couple of tournaments.
