In a rollercoaster of emotions, Coco Gauff, the rising tennis star, finds herself celebrating a big win while feeling sad about something else happening in her world. After defeating her opponent, Belinda Bencic, in a gripping three-set match at the Australian Open, Gauff expressed her disappointment over the recent TikTok ban in the United States. This ban has left many, including Gauff, pondering what life might look like without their favorite social media app.
Gauff’s Emotional Response to TikTok Ban
After her victory, Coco Gauff, who is only 20 years old and already ranked as one of the best players in the world, shared her feelings openly. With over 750,000 followers on TikTok, she announced, “RIP TikTok USA,” on a camera lens after the match, showing just how much the platform has meant to her. Gauff, who often uses TikTok as a way to escape and even prepares for matches with the app, felt a wave of sadness wash over her as she realized she wouldn’t have access to it anymore. The recent law, which has raised concerns due to TikTok’s ties with the Chinese government, has put a stop to its use, leaving many fans and creators worried about the future of their favorite platform.
Tennis and TikTok: A Complicated Relationship
The TikTok shutdown struck just hours after her impressive win, a timing that felt bittersweet for the young athlete. As a person who fully embraces the modern world of social media, Gauff sees her connection with TikTok as more than just a pastime. It’s a place where she connects with her fans, shares her experiences, and finds joy. During her post-match comments, she humorously suggested that perhaps now she would just have to read more books instead!
The Support from Fellow Athletes
Gauff isn’t alone in her feelings about the ban. Fellow tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, another notable TikTok enthusiast with her own substantial following, also expressed dismay over the app being pulled. Many athletes have taken to social media to voice their opinions about the sudden removal of TikTok, and there are hopes among them that a resolution will come quickly. It’s clear that many players see value in connecting with fans in creative ways, and TikTok has been a huge part of that.
What’s Next for Gauff?
As she prepares for her upcoming quarterfinal match against Paula Badosa on January 21, Gauff will be focusing on tennis while also thinking about the changes happening in her life outside the court. Will she really turn to books for entertainment? That remains to be seen! Gauff’s talent on the court is evident, and her roundabout commentary on TikTok has added a level of relatability that fans adore. Whether she’s scoring points in a match or handling the emotional ups and downs of current events, Gauff continues to shine as a star in the making.
A Time for Change
As the world around her changes, Gauff remains optimistic about the future. She hopes that TikTok might return to the US. “I might read more books, or become more productive,” she mentioned during one of her interviews, expressing a positive spin on the situation. And even though she’s saddened by the current state, Gauff’s upbeat spirit and determination to keep moving forward shines through.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Open Quarterfinal | January 21, 2025 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Previous Match Against Belinda Bencic | January 17, 2025 | Melbourne, Australia |