James Wilson 
Coco Gauff addressed her critics following her unexpected exit from the Australian Open, emphasizing her resilience against the opinions of “internet coaches.” After a successful run that included her first WTA Finals trophy and a victory at the United Cup, Gauff’s hopes for a third consecutive title were dashed when she fell to Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals, with a score of 7-5, 6-4 at Melbourne Park. The defeat came as a disappointment, especially given her strong performances in late 2024 and early 2025, which had positioned her as one of the tournament’s top contenders.
Throughout the match, Gauff struggled with her serve and forehand, recording six double faults and a staggering 41 unforced errors. Such performances often draw criticism from fans and analysts alike, and Gauff acknowledged the challenge of dealing with external opinions. “I guess you just have to realize that most of the internet coaches never coached anyone at my level or never played,” she remarked. The 20-year-old American noted that while it’s easy for spectators to critique players from the sidelines, the reality of competing at such a high level is far more complex.
Following her triumph at the 2023 US Open, where she secured her first Grand Slam title, Gauff previously revealed that she uses criticism as motivation, famously stating, “I kept the receipts.” With her Australian Open campaign now behind her, Gauff is expected to take some time to rest before preparing for the upcoming tournaments in the Middle East, which commence in early February. Tennis fans will be eager to see how she rebounds in her next competitions.
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