Coco Gauff's mother Candi drops 2-word reaction to American calling out 'internet coaches' after Australian Open exit
Coco Gauff's mother Candi has shown support for her daughter's response to the mounting expectations placed on her by critics. The World No. 3 shed light on her mindset regarding online criticism after suffering her first loss of the season at the 2025 Australian Open.
Gauff's quest to clinch her maiden title at the Melbourne Slam ended in the quarterfinals, as Paula Badosa claimed a 7-5, 6-4 victory in their blockbuster encounter to book her place in the final four. The American looked far from her best during the one-hour and 43-minute battle, as she recorded 43 unforced errors, six of which were double faults.
During her post-match press conference, Coco Gauff was asked how she dealt with the disappointment and criticism she faced on social media after such defeats. The 20-year-old explained that she disregarded the opinions of "internet coaches," highlighting that they had no experience of being in her position.
"You just got to realize that most of the internet coaches never coached anyone at my level or never played. So it's one of those things where it's easier to look on the outside," Coco Gauff said.
"All those things when you're playing and commentating and you hear, not commentators, but just people saying, Oh, she should have made this or he should have made that. Even when I'm watching, I do that. But obviously when you're out there, it's different," she added.
The World No. 3 also emphasized that, regardless of the feedback from her critics, she was proud of herself and was only focused on living up to her own expectations.
"People want to say things, it is what it is. I take it with a grain of salt. Some people do mean well, so I don't look at it as all bad. I'm proud of myself, and that's all I can say. I promise that I'm going to continue to try my best to improve and live up to my own expectations of myself and whatever everybody else has I'll … whatever. I can't control that," she said.
Coco Gauff's mother Candi, who had been cheering the 20-year-old on during her campaign at the Australian Open, showed her support for her daughter's sentiments.
"@cocogauff any questions?" she posted on her Instagram story.
"I'm going to go home and take a break" - Coco Gauff on her plans after Australian Open exit
During the same press conference, Coco Gauff shed light on her intention to take a break at home after her exit from the 2025 Australian Open before resuming training and working on her areas of improvement.
"I'm going to go home and take a break. I've been playing a lot of tennis basically since the end of last year. So, yeah, take like a week off or something like that and then get back to work and get better," Coco Gauff said.
The American will be back in action at the Qatar Open, followed by the Dubai Tennis Championships. However, Gauff admitted that the two WTA 1000 events weren't her priority as she had her sights set on the French Open.
"I don't think Doha and Dubai is a priority. Obviously if I do well, great. Obviously the next thing is French Open, so try to progress for that," she added.
Coco Gauff, who previously fell short against Iga Swiatek in the 2022 final at the claycourt Major, will aim to go one step further during her campaign at this year's event. The American also suffered a loss to Swiatek in the semifinals of Roland Garros last year.