"I get crucified... they get applauded" - Coco Gauff points out criticism she faces after obtaining "same result" as her peers
Coco Gauff recently reflected on facing criticism for attaining results that some of her rivals get lauded for. Her comments came amid her ongoing campaign at the 2024 WTA Finals.
The 2023 US Open champion is only 20, but her mercurial rise since making her WTA Tour-level debut in 2019 has resulted in high expectations from her. While Gauff has won eight singles titles on the WTA Tour, she has also endured disappointing spells. During these periods, she has often been the subject of intense media and fan scrutiny.
Recently, in an interview with The National, Gauff suggested that the nature of her breakthrough on the WTA Tour may be at the root of the criticism directed toward d her:
"I honestly think maybe just because of how I entered the scene, people are very critical of me. I take it as a compliment. Maybe they're critical about people that they feel like can do better, so I just try to be better."
The World No. 3 said certain players seem to be praised for achieving specific results. However, according to Coco Gauff, she tends to face a backlash if she achieves the same:
"I feel like, just certain comments, I guess maybe another player would maybe do the same result as me and I get crucified for it and they get applauded. So it's tough sometimes. And sometimes I do want to clap back, but I just try to remember, when I win, I’ll be like, that's going to be my clap back. So I do see it. It does motivate me."
After winning her maiden Grand Slam title at last year's US Open, Gauff had memorably fired back at her critics.
Coco Gauff's reply to doubters after her 2023 US Open title triumph - "Burning so bright"
Following her 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Aryna Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open final, Coco Gauff took a swipe at her critics.
Gauff's performance immediately before last year's US Open Series was poor, which led to the youngster facing stern criticism. However, after her title triumph at Flushing Meadows, she said during her post-match speech that all the hate that comes her way only motivates her to do better:
"So honestly to those who thought were putting water in my fire, you're really adding gas to it. And now I'm really burning so bright right now."
Gauff got off to a winning start at the 2024 WTA Finals, comfortably dispatching compatriot Jessica Pegula. The World No. 3 is set to face reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek next.