Coco Gauff: Rising above harsh criticism and proving her worth

Coco Gauff embraces criticism, using victories like her 2023 US Open win as a powerful response to doubters questioning her potential.

Coco Gauff: Rising Above Harsh Criticism And Proving Her Worth

From the moment she burst onto the tennis scene at just 15, Coco Gauff has faced both enormous expectations and intense scrutiny. Her 2019 Wimbledon debut, where she defeated her idol Venus Williams, set high expectations that weighed on her throughout the early years of her career. Although she claimed her first WTA titles in Linz (2019) and Parma (2021), critics questioned if she could rise to the top ranks and compete on the sport’s biggest stages.

For Gauff, the pressure came with the territory, and she learned to embrace it. Reflecting on the high standards people hold her to, she admitted, “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 can do better, so I just try to be better.”

In 2023, Gauff reached a career peak with a phenomenal summer, securing her first WTA 500 title in Washington, a WTA 1000 in Cincinnati, and her maiden Grand Slam victory at the US Open. These wins were more than just titles; they were statements to those who had doubted her abilities.

The 20-year-old didn’t shy away from addressing her critics. “I feel like, just certain comments… another player would maybe do the same result as me, and I get crucified for it, and they get applauded,” she remarked. “When I win, I’ll be like, that’s going to be my clap back.”

During her US Open victory speech, Gauff acknowledged her journey, saying, “To those who thought [they] were putting water on my fire, you’re really adding gas to it. And now I’m really burning so bright right now.” With her achievements, Gauff has silenced the critics, showing resilience and determination as she continues to build her legacy in tennis.

Coco Gauff in 2024

Coco Gauff

51 - 16win/loss

Hard
31-9
I Hard
1-0
Clay
14-5
Grass
5-2
20 year old
WLWWWWWWWW
2024 Highlights

Now ranked no.3, Gauff played her last match on the 3rd of November when she overcame world no.6 Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-2 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).

At present, during this year the American has managed to achieve an overall 51-16 match record. Coco has won 2 titles in 2024 in Auckland and Beijing.

Coco Gauff will square off with the world no.222 Sinja Kraus in the . They have never played each other up to now in top events.

The American has won 2 titles in 2024 in Auckland and Beijing.

The American won 8 titles in her career: 6 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 1 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)

Gauff
Riyadh
Gauff's Record

Coco Gauff

Embed from Getty Images

 

Coco Gauff in 2024

Coco Gauff

51 - 16win/loss

Hard
31-9
I Hard
1-0
Clay
14-5
Grass
5-2
20 year old
WLWWWWWWWW
2024 Highlights

Ranked no.3, Gauff played her last match on the 3rd of November when she beat world no.6 Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-2 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).

At the moment, during this season Coco has an overall 51-16 match record. Coco has won 2 titles in 2024 in Auckland and Beijing.

Coco Gauff will take on the world no.222 Sinja Kraus in the . They have never played each other until now in top competitions.

Gauff clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Auckland and Beijing.

Coco won 8 titles in her career: 6 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 1 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)

Gauff
Riyadh
Gauff's Record

Coco Gauff

Embed from Getty Images